La Première Semaine

So it's been almost a week since I arrived in Paris. Classes started Tuesday and I have been going non-stop since. or at least it feels like it. I was last in Paris  three and a half years ago, but it's everything I remembered and more. I'm loving every second of being here and trying to make each moment count, because I know the time to leave will come very soon. I'm trying very hard to practice my french skills and so far it has not been too difficult, though I find it much easier to understand what people are saying and reading than to speak but I guess thats always the case.

Here are some pics from my recent adventures:

So I'm studying/staying in the latin quarter where the Sorbonne and other universities are located, and there are plenty of bookstores but this one may be the biggest. There are multiple locations and and many floors filled books. Love me some good books(en français, bien sur)!

Very cool fountain close by

LE LOUVRE

love me some museums as well

This is the view from under the glass pyramid

A piece of the frieze from the Parthenon in Athens

One of the many ornate ceilings, proving the palace origins of the main building

This is my favorite piece so far, La Victoire, with unknown origins, but most likely greek

The Wedding Feast at Cana (special guests Jesus and Mary), by Véronese

The consecration of Napolean I, by J.L. David

 Another one of my favorites, La Grande Odalisque, by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres 

 La Liberté guidant le peuple, which is inspired by the french revolution and the spirit of France, by Eugène Delacroix

The incredible Venus De Milo, one of the few surviving original works of greek sculpture 

Of course, my selfie with the Mona Lisa and myself in front of the glass pyramid.

But wait! There's more:

I stumbled upon this grand old church called Saint-Etienne du Mont, there are so many amazing old chapels all over Paris, and France in general

 Some shots from the inside

I'm always so in awe of these ancient cathedrals, there is not anything really like them in the U.S.

This is not nearly all of everything I've experienced so far, but it's a taste. I will soon write a post on some of the food I have enjoyed, and a special post just for my religious awakening from last night at The Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert.

Ciao for now! bisous xoxo