Bonjour!

I'm just gonna throw new information in your face like it's nobodies business!

Well, it's been a few days past, but this previous week was our fall break from school. Everyone went everywhere and seemed to enjoy themselves. One thing we all talked about was, if we were back in the United States getting ready to go on fall break to say, Paris, Amsterdam and Egypt, we'd be the talk of the town, the envy of all our friends, and definitely jumping out of our seats with excitement to travel to foreign countries. For some reason, living in a European country, only to travel to another European country, has been mentioned so nonchalantly.

"Where are you going for break?"

"Oh, we're going to Greece for 5 days then making our way to Egypt for 3. What are you doing?"

"I'm going to France."

"Cool, see you next Monday!"

Yeah, those were typical conversations the days preceding our fall break. And yes, I went to France! Ohhh, France.

To start from the beginning, I was supposed to leave on a Friday but missed my flight. I woke up too late considering there was a public transportation strike all day. It was quite unfortunate, but I was abnormally calm. I had to buy a new ticket (thanks again, padre!) which was a fat pain, but not outrageous. Saturday I found my way to Montpellier, France to see my best friend since we were 12, Kirsten. Again, we were abnormally calm about being reunited in a foreign country, but I supposed that's just our friendship. It's a beautiful thing. Anyway, fresh off the train, we headed to an outdoor cafe for a Happy Hour. I don't know whose idea that was, but I got to sit in an adorable, open area, in downtown Montpellier with Kirsten and her friend Kim. After a beer, and still being in awe of the towns cuteness, we headed to Kirstens dorm. The thing I enjoy about the program she is doing is that she really gets immersed in to the French college experience. She lives in a dorm with all kinds of people, from all over the world, goes to a university where all her classes are in French, and really getting a true college experience...in another country. Yeah.

Later that night, we made our way back to the downtown area, which seems to be the most alive part of the city! Kirsten and other French friends convinced me to rent a bike to ride into town. It was about a 15 minute bike ride. Ohh, boy. I don't ride bikes in Cincinnati, I haven't in years. Montpellier is very flat, but I was still a bit out of practice. Needless to say, I crashed! Ok, not as bad as it sounds. It was wet and my wheel got caught in a tram track. Believe me. Anyway, I fell and bruised up my legs, they're pretty colors at this point; I'll spare you pictures. But nothing could ruin the fact that I was riding a bike alongside my best friend, in France, with some great French people! It was all an experience, and definitely one at which to look back and laugh. Nothing was really accomplished that night, but it was just plain fun.

The next day, Kirsten and I went to a flea market and just looked around. It was very, very cool. I really loved all the antique furniture and house-trinkets that were everywhere. I wish I had a house closeby because I would have furnished the entire thing in about an hour. After we walked around, we went back to her area and lazed around for the majority of the day and spent time with some cool people. Monday, Kirsten and Kim took me on the Montpellier tour (pictures to follow soon). Really, it's a beautiful city with a cozy and charming character. Kirsten and I made our way to Lyon (about 3 hours north-ish ? where I flew in from Rome) on Tuesday morning to spend the day and night, so I could get my early flight back home (to Rome!) on Wednesday. We truly had no plans; we walked off the train, I checked my duffel bag at the station, and we headed outside to see what we could see. Again, pictures to follow, they will help me document what I actually did.

Anyway, we saw some surprising and wonderful things. It's a day that I will REALLY never forget. It was the day the Kirsten and I talked about when we were in 7th grade: exploring European cities together when we are "older and in college!" Well, we're older, and we're definitely in college, so I guess it's all working out for the best.

Keep an eye out for pictures, I promise that the hard part is over for me, I'll find a time to get some pictures arranged on this thing.

Kirsten gets to Rome on Friday; we're conquering Europe bit by bit. I'm really excited for it. I can't wait to show her my new home, explore new things with her and share what I've grown to love about the city! Actually, it will be fun for the following two weekends. November is going to be hectic, I'll tell you that much. The weekend after this coming, my brother Dan is visiting, and the weekend after my dad will be here! I can't picture either of them in a foreign country, let alone Italy, but I know they will love it. I just wish everyone could see what I get to see on a daily basis.



When I got back to Rome, I hadn't slept in over 24 hours. I was the first one back to the apartment and was alone for about 2 hours, only to be greeted by my two favorite people in the world, my roomates Donna and Jen. They just got back from Greece and we were reunited at last. We had the apartment to ourselves for about 3 days and it was just relaxing. We had a great time being together and loving the city; good times.

At this point, it's back to school, but I'm still enjoying it. Perhaps appreciating it a bit more? Either way, I still want to stay. Don't worry, I AM coming home, I just don't want to.
Kidding.