Day 9: Headed Home

Day 9:

Our last day was a bit early. Jill and I decided to go shopping one last time before the plane so went down Commerce Street and shopped until 11am. We got so much good stuff. Shoes and a purse especially as well as little bakery things and a dress. It was a very good time except when our cards weren't accepted because they didn't have the chip in them so we had to find an ATM. We finished up and rushed back to the hotel to finish packing.

We all packed into our cars that took us to the airport where we waited through and unbelievable slow security line. Finally, we made it through and got some lunch. It was alright tasting, but I really just wanted to get on the plane and go because I was getting antsy from waiting. Finally, I was on the plane and the take of was bad (hate take-offs). But the plane ride was fine. I had Dan on one side, Pat behind, and Katie to my left. I also watched, Silver Lining Playbook, Red, and Pitch Perfect on the ride. It was all pretty good, but I just wanted to be done with the plane. The landing was not so good either.

Finally, we were off the plane and had to go through customs again. Not too bad. The Americans do it much better then the French. However, getting our bags and then having to wait in that long baggage check line was not fun. It took about 1.5 hours in total to get off the plane and through everything to leave the airport. But on the other side waiting for me with a big sign were my two close friends and it was amazing. Love my friends so much.

This trip was amazing for me. I met some pretty awesome people and had an absolute blast. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I learned so much, practiced French, and got to go to IBM and a French university. It was a wonderful experience for me, one that I would not trade for anything. :) I shall plan to do it again

Day 8: Napoleon, Armory, & Dinner

Day 8:

Sunday was our free day; we could choose whatever we wanted to do. So, Jill and I slept in until 10:30am because we really need to catch up on some sleep. We got up and ate a late breakfast of bread and cheese with the boys (Pat, Steven, and Dan) and then headed out to look at Napoleon's tomb, which was recommended to us. It is actually attached to an armory so we ended up looking at that first.

So we walked in and bought our tickets and Jill and I had to go to the bathroom so told the boys to wait for us. We came out afterwards and they were gone. They had left us behind, typical. So Jill and I set off through the armory and ended up in the World War II era, which was right up our alley. It was so interesting. I love learning about WWII and seeing actual uniforms, reading about little tidbits that involved France that I didn't know about, and recognizing people's names that are stops on the Metro too was very cool. However, what really gets me are the propaganda signs. I think the propaganda used during the wars is so fascinating and must have taken a picture of every single one.

Finally, the boys called us and we decided to meet up at Napoleon's tomb. Talk about a big head on such a little man. Yes, he was exiled twice, but who cares, the french brought him back and built a humongous tomb out of marble and gold around him. Not only that, but his casket was very large, at least 5X what I'd expect his body size to be. I'm telling you, that man must have been a bit to big for his britches. He was in the center, there was a shrine of gold at the top, his two brothers were buried in tombs around him, and there were three other famous people buried there too in tombs revolving around Napoleon's. It was beautiful. I highly doubt anyone else will be built in such an amazing style, but the man did endeavor to conquer all of Europe and did pretty well for himself too.

So we finished up and left the tomb heading towards an area I don't know that we took the metro too. GOLD MINE!!! Jill and I found the most amazing shops. There were chocolate shops, clothing shops, shoe shops, so many. We ended up shopping until the last minute with the boys standing outside the door for us. Got 2 dresses and 2 leather jackets. Success! Then we had to leave for our last dinner.

We got back to IBIS and rushed upstairs to change for dinner. Then everyone got on the metro and we went to the Champs-Elysee for a real Parisian dinner. It was called "Chez Clement" and was very tasty. I got the steak medley of all different kinds including flank steak and others got the fish or the pork. Jill got the pork, which was apparently hideously disgusting. I think it was pig's testicles or intestines or something like that. Really nasty. The bread and desert was fantastic though. As usual, I got some form of a chocolate cake and it was delicious! The Professor gave us superlatives and I got "Most likely to be unable to find the Eiffel Tower" because I was standing on it haha. It was great. Then we headed back to the hotel and Jill and I died in bed.

Day 7: Versailles & Shopping

Day 7:

Saturday morning was marked with exhaustion after our club the previous night. We got up early to go to Versailles and spend an hour on the train. It was beautiful when we got there. I think it was the first day of sun too. They had a memorial to mark the lives lost in the World Wars and then the palace was breathtaking. It literally was made out of gold entirely. Everything inside was so cool. There was the king's chambers and queen's too. The queen had a study, which I'm sure she did not use. My favorite part was the hall of mirrors, however. I loved the way it reflected the light and everything. We unfortunately did not go to the gardens because everyone was so tired. Looking back now, I wish I had done so.

We ended up heading back on the train, but Jill, Katie, and I headed back to Montmartre instead to go shopping. It was awesome. Very successful with 2 dresses and a jacket. I also got a new shirt. I loved looking in the shops and little boutiques. We did get lost, however, and couldn't find our way back to the metro. This led us to another area where there were basically flea markets and linens being sold. Very interesting. Finally, I ended up asking someone in French where the metro was. I managed to understand the directions enough to get us there. All in all, a day well done.

Day 6: Eiffel Tower, IBM, & Le Showcase

Day 6:

We started off our day by heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was awesome. While we were waiting in line we saw a bunch of military soldiers heading toward the military school. I know that Paris is the fashion capital of the world, but I didn't expect even their military to look so fashionable, but they did. Jill was hyperventilating by now, no thanks to Steven. Here I am, trying to calm her down and telling her it isn't so bad and that it doesn't sway in the wind and Steven, "Actually it does sway & it's really high up. It can be bad." I think I stomped on his foot a little too hard haha. Finally, we were almost to the top and taking pictures. It was beautiful. So here I am on the top of the Eiffel Tower freezing cold and I had a moment of complete stupidity.





Dan: "Aubrey, why don't you head downstairs where it's warmer. You're freezing."
Me: "I can't. I have to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower first. I can't find it. You'd think it would just stick right out of everything being so tall. Can you help me find it?"
Mari: "Are you serious?!"
Steven: "Aubrey, you are ON the Eiffel Tower."

Oh, oops.

After that, however, we even managed to convince Jill to come up briefly to the top of the tower and get her picture taken. We then headed back down where she bought a sweatshirt because it was freezing out and headed back to the hotel for some rest.





Later, we went to the outskirts of Paris and went to IBM Headquarters. It was very nice. We got to learn about the market in France and how it is difficult for IBM to market to the French consumer because it is an American company. They also showed us some of their technology. We got to ask Watson questions too.



That night, a bunch of us went to a French club called Le Showcase that is under a bridge. Here we are thinking we will need our IDs and they just waved us through because we were American. I have to say that I am not a fan of the French techno music. It is hard to dance to and get enthused about. Also, some of the people are rather creepy. One guy tried to pull Jill away and she resisted so he asked me why. I told him that she was in love with her boyfriend and next thing I know he is trying to kiss me. So I punched him in the face. Serves the sucker right.

We ended the night taking a taxi back to the hotel and heading to bed except it was basically 3am. Oh dear.

Day 5: PULV & Sacre-Coeur

Day 5:

Today was our final day of lecture at PULV. We went through our normal routine, however, Jill and I did wake up on time this day. Dr. Nivet lectured to us again about the European Union and their relationships with other countries. We did really get stuck on the topic of Great Britain and how they were connected in the EU. How they have been threatening to pull out, but probably won't. The EU does not have anything in a referendum about if a country left the EU because they never thought of that. We also talked about the ramifications of Great Britain pulling out of the EU and what the consequences would be for America.

Basilica of Sacre-Coeur

We ended our time at PULV with taking some quick pictures and then heading off. We got on the metro and left to go to Montmartre to see the Sacre-Coeur which means Sacred Heart in french. We ate first when we got there, which happened to be at France's version of an American restaurant. I think it might have been called Buffalo Bills or something like that. The food was good, but it was interesting to see their take on us. We then went up to the top of the hill and got to see the basilica. I had actually never even heard of Sacre-Coeur before that day. It was very beautiful. We also browsed around and looked at the artwork and pieces they had there. Jill and I died a little inside at all of the shopping places that we passed on our way down the hill, but didn't stop at. So sad.

Basilica of Sacre-Coeur

When we got back to the hotel, the fab 5 (Dan, Pat, Jill, Steve, and Myself) went out for a walk around Paris to the Eiffel Tower. Here was where I fell for those stupid marketers. This guy came up to me and handed me a rose telling me it was for me. I forgot about these scandals and thanked him to which he began hounding Steven for a euro. The sucker. So Jill and I ended up with a rose each courtesy of Dan and Steven. Thank you Dan and Steven for our beautiful roses :)

We then headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Day 4: PULV & Touristy Stuff

Day 4:

This day did not start out as planned for Jill and I. Our alarm did not go off and so we missed breakfast and showers. & one way to make me rather grumpy is to not eat my breakfast at all. So we rushed downstairs and rushed out of the building to catch the metro. We finally made it to PULV and low and behold! our prayers were answered. There was some type of fire alarm going on so Jill and I got to go to the cafe and pick something to eat. Yes!!

Then, we got to the room for our lecture and it began. It was a  lecture on the European Union by Dr. Nivet. He talked to us about the relationship between France and America, which was rather interesting. Both nations deal with problems differently. Also, even though France and America are on good terms, America likes to butt their noses into everyone else's issues and France does not like that. They want America to keep out of what is not theirs and keep their opinions to themselves.

After our lecture, we grabbed some lunch and then headed to Notre Dame Cathedral. It was beautiful. There was something going on because there were tents everywhere celebrating 850 years, I believe. We also had to look out for pick pockets, as usual. The French really need to do something about that. Inside, it was gorgeous with high ceilings and arches that were decorated with delicate designs. Everything is so unbelievable detailed, that it's scary. The French really pride themselves on their history and keeping it well maintained.

After, we headed to a little cafe nearby while some of our group headed up the 477 steps to get to the top of the Cathedral. I ordered chocolate cake and hot chocolate, surprise!! It was tasty. We talked about tutoring and internships and how difficult it was for us to choose an internship that paid less then a current job we have because we have to pay for school.

Later that night, we went on a beautiful boat tour together. Everything was all lit up and we just spent the time together joking, laughing, and taking pictures. It was beautiful especially the Eiffel Tower. It sparkled in the sky. Unfortunately, the waters were high as measured by this statue in the water so we didn't get to see Notre Dame lit up at night. However, it was still a very good time, one worthy of collapsing in bed.

Day 3: PULV & Jazz Night

Day 3:

Jill and I woke up really really early to get ready and go to breakfast where I gorged myself on bread and cheese again. That stuff should be a crime to consume. From there we headed to PULV to have a lecture on  French culture with Dr. Lima. It was very interesting. He was talking about French stereotypes and how they are wrong. He showed us a funny little video about it. Then we broke for lunch, which was given to us at the University. It was ok for food. Better then at Bridgewater, but at the same time you could still tell it was school food. The bread though, was fantastic as usual :)

After lunch, we returned to the lecture room where we were presented three business models by university students. The first, was about an online website that would allow predominantly women to go more in depth when choosing hairstyles for themselves. They would be able to view different hairstyles as well as parlors and their rankings. The second, was about these new kiosks that would be placed in hotels and around Paris for tourists to be able to plan their own tourist attractions. They would be able to view different areas of interest and then select to order tickets and other items. The third, was presented by a young man, Louis, who wanted to open a restaurant where all of the food came from grannies. They would offer their family dishes to the restaurant and oversee that they were being made correctly where they would then be served to customers. This is because he felt that family traditions in regards to food were disappearing and wanted to bring them back.






Later that day, some of us met at Club 140, ate dinner, and then headed out to a Jazz club for the night. It was pretty cool. I was dragged onto the dance floor by an elderly man, he was actually pretty smelly, but it was fun. & then the rest of us got into it and started dancing. Overall, a good night that ended with passing out in bed. 

Day 2: Museum Madness

Day 2: Louvre

On Monday, I woke up early to get ready for the Louvre. Did you know that if you spend 30 seconds in front of every piece of artwork, you would have died 3 times? I didn't. Jill and I got ready in record time for us and headed downstairs for breakfast. I was in HEAVEN! There was bread and cheese everywhere. Good thing I don't live in France, I would definitely be fat. I stuffed myself full with a piece of baguette with cheese, two lovely croissants, and a cup of hot chocolate. What a way to start the day. Too bad it was raining again.

So we left to head to the metro. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the metro. It is very convenient, but it is also very stinky, dirty, and I do not like people touching me. I felt rather claustrophobic, I think. I also am not a good navigator anyway and while I could figure out what line to take, for some reason I always chose the wrong direction. Silly me. That would be why I did not navigate for our little excursions.

Finally, we arrived. It was beautiful. We stopped at the Arc first to take some pictures and have fun. It was very beautiful. I love the artwork on the top with the horses. We also had to look out for pic pockets. They are very big in France because children aren't really reprimanded by the law. There is no such thing as juvy court in France.


















The Louvre was fun, but it is exhausting. We got there at a good time, when there really weren't a lot of people. We went to the Egyptian part of the museum first and looked at the Sphinx and everything else. The group somewhat stayed together until some wanted to see the Mona Lisa and I wanted to see a different part of the museum. So, I went with the Professor and everyone else went to the Mona Lisa. The Professor and I saw a lot of different sculptures and paintings. The sculptures was mostly my doing because I think they are so beautiful. However, we also saw Renaissance artwork as well as other things too. We saw "The Lion," which Professor really liked that gave the impression of one who has power over the world or all others as well as another statue with these eyes that just penetrated you to the point where it was scary. His statue was so emotionally moving and you could see the pain and desperation in his stature.



With our feet hurting, our stomachs growling, and our throats cracking, we gathered at the meeting point to head off to lunch. Which was of course, very tasty as usual. The French have a way with their food. We then headed to what is basically a French mall, but it had two separate buildings, one for men and one for women. Along the way, we managed to lose Steve for which he never forgot for the rest of the trip. The mall was very nice, however, it was outlandishly expensive. The funniest part was when we saw this absolutely hideous gold sequin jacket that was 3,129 Euros. How about not. Some of our group then ate at the little cafe that was on one of the floors. I ordered another hot chocolate, my favorite, as well as chocolate cake. Scrumptious!

After that, we met up with the Professor and headed back to the hotel. Dan, Pat, Steve, Jill, and I went to Club 140 (Pat's room) later that night to hang out before we all went out to dinner at one of the local places around us called the Royal Cambronne. I ordered a drink and everyone else got dessert. We collapsed in bed that night as became a nightly occurrence.

Day 1: Exhaustion and Brittany

Day 1:

My trip to Paris began with a bang on May 18th when I headed onto the Plymouth & Brockton bus for the first time to head to Logan Airport. It was very easy and simple and I think I will use those in the future. When I arrived at the airport we had to print out our tickets and then check in our baggage. That is where my first issue started. I got to the check-in and of course the guy behind the counter insisted that my carry-on luggage was too large and I needed to check it, the sucker. So after convincingly begging, he allowed it through. Then, when we had to go through security, the operator there also said it was too large, but I had a Cabine sticker on it. However, I did notice that there were other people with larger carry-ons so I'm not quite sure what the problem was with mine.

We ate a little food before heading onto the plane, which was very nice for me because I had some leg room. The plane ride was not too bad. I don't like take-offs or landings, but overall it went by pretty fast. I even talked with a boy next to me, John, from Belgium who goes to school at Duke in the United States. He was headed back for the summer. It was interesting because he was talking about Belgium's problems and for awhile they actually didn't have any government at all. I didn't even know a country could operate with no government, but everything seems to be working out now.

So we finally arrived all together and headed toward the IBIS hotel. We were all pretty tired and hungry, but that was ok because we were in France. We had to wait until the rooms were ready and then all went out for our first Parisian meal across the street. I had the most amazing steak, of course, I ended up saying that the entire trip every time I had it, but it was fantastic. However, the French have a thing about asking for steak to be cooked well-done. They don't like that very much. I don't mind mine medium, but there is a big difference between the US and France. If I want my meat cooked medium in France, I need to ask for it to be cooked well-done otherwise, I'll get what I consider rare steak. I adapted. I also had a little hot chocolate and a little chocolate cake. It was beyond tasty. In France though, everything comes in small sizes. Les petits-cafes really are very small.

After that we ended up heading back to the hotel. We really didn't do much that day in regards to touristy stuff. I looked really hard for a hot, tasty baguette with French cheese, but couldn't find a place open on Sunday. We did go as a group to window shop on the Champs-Elysee obviously because it is ridiculously expensive. In the mean time, our normal little group of 5 (Dan, Pat, Jill, Steve, and Myself) managed to lose sight of everyone else so moved around looking for them. & did I mention that it was pouring again? A daily occurrence in France, let me tell you. We finally found them and headed back to the hotel.

Dan, Pat, Jill, Steven, and myself ended up walking about Paris to see what was going on and found the Festival de Bretagne going on. That was a lot of fun to watch even though it was raining. Pat ended up dancing with the group and made some friends. Yolen, Alex, and another guy were all from Brittany and bought us drinks. One had visited Virginia in the US and had a Thomas the Train backpack, which he was very proud of. They did get a little testy when we asked them about gas prices and remarked on how much higher they were in France then the US. "Well we don't invade other countries and steal their oil like you do," said one of them. Ok, new subject haha. Yolen was very nice and recommending all different places to go to and see especially in Belgium such as Bruges. He also talked about how to get there and different prices you'd have to pay. They were students although Yolen was in a more difficult program, but all three were studying engineering and Yolen works for Exxon Mobil.

Finally, we headed back to the hotel for the night. I did notice that even though it was 9:30-10pm at night, it was still light out. Very interesting. I basically passed out in bed that night, only to have to wake up early in the morning.