Day Twenty Two: Au Revoir Europe

5/20/2014

Today my heart broke! We have left Europe. I have absolutely loved this trip. I will cherish the memories I have made forever. I really wish I had more time and money to keep exploring Europe. But for now it is time for me to go home. I have grown so much on this trip, I am grateful that I had this opportunity. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and survived. I really have loved every second of this trip and wouldn't change a thing.

See you later Europe! I'll be back for sure!

Day Twenty One: Je t'aime Paris

5/19/2014

Today was our last day in Paris and Europe. It was very bitter sweet. There was still so much to see in Paris and very little time. But I made the most of my time left in Paris.
Today we visited the Louvre. I feel as if my whole life was leading up to this moment! I still remember the project I did in 6th grade on the Louvre. I picked that topic because I wanted to go there so badly. I have dreamed of this day for years. I finally got to see the famous glass pyramids. It was a dream come true. The Louvre was fantastic, the crowds were not. I did get a bit claustrophobic in the museum. There were a lot of people. I wish I could spend days roaming the halls of this museum. There is just so much information to take in! I loved walking the halls. I saw the Venus de Milo in person. Took my breath away! No Joke. I think it is even more spectacular in person! I just can't believe all the things I've gotten to do while on this trip! It has been amazing! I saw the Mona Lisa, it is tiny! Now that was a surprise. It is still an amazing piece of artwork. Now the Louvre chose to have the Nike of Samothrace in restoration while we were there. That was not a decision I was happy about. I wanted to see that sculpture so bad, I have been waiting the whole trip to see it. And it is not available! That did not help my Claustrophobia one bit, it actually increased it.  I was so sad I couldn't see it in person. but life moves on.

After the Louvre we went shopping. That is also what this city is known for so we needed to do that as well! :) It was fun to try and find cool stores. The Galeries Lafayette was super neat.

Some high class Shopping here in Paris

Finally we ended the night with the Eiffel Tower light show. There was no better way to end the night! I have fallen madly in love with this city. I do not want this night to end so I don't have to leave tomorrow. It will be hard to get on that plane. I have learned so much on this trip, and there is still so much more I want to see and learn. I'll just have to come back. I really hope I get to come back.

I've made so many friends, This was the best trip

Paris you took my breath away!

we had fun taking pictures on this trip

Day Twenty: Let them Eat Cake

5/18/2014

Today I spent the day in the most beautiful place on earth, Today I went to the Palace of Versailles. You learn all about how extravagant it is in history classes. It is nothing compared to actually stepping foot in the Palace. It was breathtaking and indescribable. I'm still trying to process it. The rooms were magnificent. Oh the hall of mirrors was to die for. I just wanted to sit there and never leave. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be in the french court with Louis and Marie. Oh what I wouldn't do for a time machine! It would just be such a neat experience to jump back in time and visit what it would have been like then. I would have loved to go to a ball at Versailles.
Ugh, and the gardens were just mind-blowing! It was huge! We spent most of the day there and still did not hit everything that there was to see in Versailles. This is just another reason I need to come back! I need to experience all of Versailles and I wasn't able to do that today. I will be back one day, hopefully many times!
So Paris is known as the city of love and I got to see another Love filled tourist attraction. The wall of Love near the Sacre Coeur. It was fun to see "I love You" in so many different Languages. The Sacre Coeur was magnificent as well! I think the Mosaic on the inside was my favorite out of all the cathedrals we've seen. And the view from outside the Cathedral is breathtaking! I have fallen madly in love with this City! I am so sad tomorrow is our last day here and in Europe. I wish I could stop time! I don't want to leave!

Pictures Galore for Today's Adventures!

Day Nineteen: The City of Love

5/17/2014

Ah this City is fantastic! I loved exploring the city today! I hit a lot of touristy sites today, but when in Paris you've got to go! We started the day off at the Notre Dame. I really can't believe that I am here! It is so exciting! We wandered along the Sine river today. Ate crepes. All things that are a must in Paris. I was really excited to find a cute lock and visit the Pont de Arts. That is a beacon call to all sappy romantics to visit it and lock away your love forever. Everyone is looking for everlasting love. Of course I found a cute lock to lock to the bridge. It was a lot of fun, even if I'm not in love yet. One day I'll return with that special someone and throw the other key into the River. It will be romantic! :P

Notre Dame

Best Crepe ever!

My Lock

Can you spot mine?

Throwing the key

The Orsay was fun to visit. I got to see more Van Gogh pieces, which I love! I just love looking at the art. It is amazing how talented some people are!

Of course if you are in Paris you have to see the Eiffel tower! So we walked over to it. It was an adventure trying to find it! For a building so tall it is pretty hard to see when walking along the streets of Paris. Luckily we found it. 

I also got to see the arc de Triomphe! I have admired this monument forever! I was so excited to see it in person, it was as glorious as I imagined!