Finally updating this. It's been a crazy time since moving out of temporary housing. Our group got split up into all different arrondissments, or districts, but for the most part everyone is pleased.
I am living in the 13th district. That probably doesn't mean anything to most of you, but for me it means a non-touristy, non-expensive quiet neighborhood. The grocery store is right by my apartment building, as is the metro and the outdoor marché every Wednesday and Saturday. I can walk to these amazing gardens which is also close to my university, Sorbonne Nouvelle, and even though it's far from the study abroad center it's nothing the metro can't handle - expect on September 7 during the general transportation stikes. Oh, the French :)
I just finished my Intensive Language class that lasted 3 weeks. My professor was amazing and we studied Montmartre and Montparnasse, two historically intellectual and artistic areas key to understanding Paris. We visited these places, and that is only the beginning of how much I've learned so far in class. Tomorrow, I start two of my classes - a Writing Workshop and a Theory and Method class. University classes don't start till the end of the month, and it's definitely not as organized as my university back home so that will be an interesting experience...
I have gotten really close with some people in my program, and it's been fun to go to coffee shops, hit up the Bastille, and having the weirdest experiences on the metro. We just celebrated Erica Freding's 22 birthday Friday and Saturday night. Some of us found a new church, the Hillsong Church, and it has been so cool to go to. The music is contemporary and the services in English and French.
I've had some great adventures so far, but I won't bore you with those other stories ;). Hopefully this gives you an idea of how much I've loved studying abroad so far and actually, how I could see myself living here.
A la prochaine fois! - I'll try to update this more frequently.
