Bonjour!

We finally made it to Paris, but not with out trying! Before arriving here, the program had us go to Norrdeney, where there is NEVER a shortage of wind, cold, or rain. Now, being a true Texan, I’m use to the bright, scorching rays of the Texan sun, so being at literally the “land’s end” was not picnic in the park. I kept waiting for a break in the wind but to no avail. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the Wattwanderung, but I sure am glad the 3-hour trek (or death march which I imagine it would’ve felt like to me by hour number 1) to the island was cancelled due to inclement weather. Unfortunately, though the island is thought to have healing air…I believe it made me sick because after leaving the island, my throat started to hurt and has not stopped.

BUT!! I’ll be damned if I let a simple sore throat ruin my trip to Paris!!! Yesterday, our weekend group rode the night train (my first ever!!!) from Hannover to Paris…where we arrived a good 45 minutes later than was scheduled…this pretty much meant we were definitely NOT in Germany anymore! Haha After dropping off our luggage, we made our way to Notre Dame where the Catholics of our group attended mass while the others toured the cathedral (which, in my opinion, looked very reminiscent of the Cologne Cathedral). Afterwards, we visited many shops along the side of the streets and spent way too much money! Next on our itinerary was the Eiffel Tower, where we waiting in endless lines but finally saw the top of the tower!! The view form here was, of course, amazing. After getting back to the ground, we asked the security guard where the best place to eat was. We went around the corner to a little bistro and ate outside (like true Parisians do). Finally, in a comical turn of events, when trying to find a place to buy a bottle of wine and some crackers to eat while watching the Eiffel Tower light show, we ran into a few Americans on the street who led the way to a small shop open on Sunday nights. After taking our spoils, sat on the greens in front of the Eiffel and watching the lights sparkle into the night. It was a truly wonderful ending to a great Parisian day.