Giverny!!

There were a lot of people here!

I wish I could live in Monet's house

Chartres!!

Yesterday morning at 8 am I left my place in Paris for Chartres.  

 

After approximately 2 hours (my time on the metro combined with train traveling) I arrived in the peaceful town of Chartres.  What was I too see while exiting the train? Well, none other than the Chartres cathedral!!!

Since I was hungry at this time, I walked around for a little while to find a cafe.  

When I found one, I entered and was asked by a waitress where I would like to eat: inside or outside.

I replied: outside.  She then led me to through the cafe to the other side.  After walking outside I was seated.  

Looking straight ahead, I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw: the Chartres cathedral was no more than twenty feet  in front of me!!

It is rather difficult to convey the feelings that I had experienced with this discovery. 

Surprise: obviously. 

Happy: without a doubt!

Here I enjoyed a Croque Monsieur with a walnut salad.  I had a cafe creme with that as well.

After this I went inside the cathedral.  It was almost 12 o'clock.  Here I found a tour-guide who was recommended to me from one of my professors.  His name is Malcolm Miller.  Have you heard of him?

The tour was great! I recommend it to anyone looking for a good lesson on the history of the cathedral. 

This was by far my favorite part of the trip.  If you ever find yourself in France, I highly recommend that you go to the Chartres cathedral. 
Au revoir!!

Bastille Day!!!

Louvre

Cubist art in a cubist world

Today I got the chance to go to the Pompidou center in Paris.  This center holds some of the greatest modern artwork that I will ever see. 
I did not expect to see some of my favorite pieces of artwork there.  I was really surprised at how many people were taking pictures of the artwork.  I just had to join in.  Some of my favorite works are pictured below:

This was my favorite painting by Georges Braque

Some pictures that capture what I like about Paris

Greetings from Paris, France! I am having a great time here.  Right now it is 8:16 PM Paris time.  This has been my first official full day in the City of Lights.  

What an interesting start to my day--

I woke up at 4:44 to the sound of cars driving by outside my room that I share with three other guys from Seattle Pacific. Interestingly enough, one of my friends also woke at this time. We ended up heading outside to experience the "morning life" of Paris.  There were hardly any people out at this time.  Quite to be expected I can imagine. We ended up walking around for a while--until 6:30 to be exact when we headed over to a cafe for some early morning coffee.  What a great start to my day! 

After this, at 8:50, we headed to our "school" if you will, where I will be studying French cinema.  After a two-hour orientation with our leader we all went out for lunch at a dine-in restaurant.  I had penne pasta and turkey that tasted soo sweet and soo good!

Afterwards, I went with a new friend on an excursion to find the famous Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.  I was thoroughly impressed. So many books!
So, my day is almost over.  I'm tired.  I want to sleep but think that it would be wise for me to stay up longer to adapt to Paris time.
Until til next time,
Nick