Sleep is for Squares

Made it to Paris - actually, should say that I made it on my own to my apartment from the hotel. Been quite busy since then. Lots to do between unpacking and settling into the apartment, grocery shopping, going through orientation, doing some sight seeing and then trying to sleep at night. If there's one thing I have learned about Paris, besides that walking a lot is very common, is that at night, people are still up making noise that seems to reverberate throughout the apartment. So as everyone knows, I love my sleep. Like a lot. And I usually sleep the whole night through without even moving, but that is so not the case anymore - I will say it has gotten better - but the first few nights, every single noise woke me/prevented me from actually falling asleep. And in typical Caitlin-fashion, as soon as that alarm clock goes off, sleep just so happens to be quite easy to come by. So, the remedy for that solution was easy: sleep in on Thursday!!!! So went to bed early and slept most of the night and morning and didn't get up until 1pm. Finally feel really well rested.

But, I'm guessing you guys don't just want to hear about my triumphs and failures surrounding my sleeping habits. So, in other news - registered for classes at the Catho. Actually, I first had to retake a written test - I was given a subject (are electronic books marking the end of paperbacks?) and told to write a mini persuasion essay in 15mins. And then I had to partake in an oral exam - they really should have just sat me down to talk and not called it an exam because the minute I entered the room, all the french I thought I knew disappeared and all I could say was "C'était bon. J'ai beaucoup aimé. Oh, c'était très belle." {It was good. I really liked it. It was very pretty.} And that basically resulted in me dropping down a level - so from Intermediate 3, I went down to Intermediate 2. It's alright though, I still get to take the fun classes that I signed up for: French films & songs, French art from the Enlightenment to Impressionism and French Fashion. So I can't really blame myself nor complain about it. But, can I place some blame on lack of sleep?!?!?!?! Sure, why not.

Well, today's adventure includes Montmatre and tomorrow's Versailles. But for the time being pictures!

PS Quick note on the boat ride down the Seine on les Bateaux-Mouches - last time I was in Paris (Jan 2000) we did this and it was freezing and sleeting!! Yet, this time, it was overcast and windy, but loads warmer and dryer than when I had done it before. A much better experience if I may say so.

Boat Ride down the Seine

Did I mention I live right by the Eiffel Tour?!

Notre Dame