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Mary's Travels
I flew out early from Lourdes (literally had just enough money to pay the cab driver, scary!) then was on the first flight out of the airport. I got into Paris no problem, and finally found my parents at the edge of the Louvre. It was so great to see them, and so funny to see them in Europe! Apparently my mom had some trouble with some gypsies while waiting for me, but other than that they did alright! We made our way to the apartment which was very nice and big for two blocks from the Louvre. After getting settled for a bit, we headed out to Versailles. My parents were very good and waited till we got to the gardens to eat lunch- sandwiches on the edge of the lake. Then we walked around the palace a bit, luckily we did it in that order because it began to rain. We stalled until the weather passed so we could head out back into Paris. We stopped at the Eiffel Tower on the way, and picked up some bread and cheese too. We went to dinner in our neighborhood, it ended up being really good. I got salmon, my mom got curry shrimp, and my dad got beef. We all got wine and shared a tiramisu at the end. Very good way to end an exhausting day. The next day we headed out for a walking tour, only after having some problems with laundry and pants... But we made it and walked all over Paris learning about various sites. I think it was both good for me and the parents. We all learned a lot, and the tour guides were very fun! Afterwards we rewarded ourselves with nice burgers, and they weren't too undercooked! Then we went up the Ferris wheel at the end of the Jardin de Tuileries. It was a really great way to see the city without having to walk up numerous spiral staircases. Afterwards we walked home, we were pooped, plus it started raining. We tested until it was time for Mass. We went to Notre Dame, but since the rents don't speak French, they had trouble fighting off sleep haha. Afterwards we went to a nice restaurant on l'île de Saint Louis, and we had a great meal, escargot included ;) We walked back home and saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle from a distance. The next day we headed out to île de la cité again to eat a quick breakfast and walk around the flower market. The market was interesting, it was something I always wanted to check out- they have all kinds of plants and animals for sale. After that we tried to find a quick breakfast before our train to Sermaise to meet up with the Strehaino's, but got a bit scammed into a longer meal and had to rush off. Either way it worked out and we made it to the train on time. It was nice to have an hour to sit. I was sooo happy to get to Sermaise, I really missed the town and my family. I was so happy to finally see Claire again, and Jean as well. It's crazy to think that I last saw Claire at the end of high school, and Jean even longer ago, after my junior year. I was so glad to see them again. Jean drove us to the house, and it was so nice to see farmland again! We got to the house and Anne was waiting for us at the doorway, ah it was so great to see her too! It had been so long!! We hugged with tear-filled eyes, then came inside and went to the patio for cheese pastries and champagne. Laure came down and oh my gosh has she grown up. I definitely embarrassed her haha but it's crazy how someone can grow up like that in only a few years! I was so so happy to be with the family again in Sermaise, that will definitely be a highlight of my study abroad experience. We all got to meet each other and hang out, and eat amazing food of course :) We went in for some pâtés Jean had prepared, and I wish I remember details besides the fact that it was so good. I had only had pâté once before in my life, and that experience was not a good one, so I was hesitant to try it again. But just like old times they can make anything absolutely delicious and not scary. Yum it was good. We talked about the fact that now I'll try anything, mostly thanks to them for showing me all the delicious foods that are out there. For the main course we had duck, yum! I usually can't find a ton a good duck in the states, so I take any chance I can to eat it, and I was super glad it was lunch :) After that we had cheese and bread, always a hit, and for dessert we had some tart/pies from the bakery. Oh yum. I was so happy to be with both of my families in Sermaise. We had a great time together. I know my parents were amazed by everything, and they could tell why I loved it so much when I came. After lunch we went outside for a walk around the neighborhood since it was a nice day. It was a beautiful day in fact, and always a scenic route in Sermaise :) I really missed open land, so it was really refreshing for me to see corn fields that go on for miles. Plus the sun makes for a perfect day for anyone from Lille. My parents were really amazed at how perfect the town was, yet again another reason for my adoration. It was so nice to walk outside and hang out with both families. After the walk we started to collect our things and head for the door, but only after promising to come back within the month :) We got to the train station, got our tickets, and waited for the train. Jean and Claire were so nice to wait for the train with us. But when it came it got sad again. Knowing I am able to come back helps though. We waved goodbye to Jean and Claire, and headed back on to Paris. I was so so sooo thankful we could all meet up, that was a dream. And I can't wait to go back :) We got back to Paris and I'm pretty sure we went back to our apartment and crashed. We were full! After resting for a bit, we checked out the church near our apartment, very cool, then walked over and saw the Opera House real quick. Unfortunately we couldn't go in, but at least we got to see it. Then we headed back home to eat a light dinner of wine and cheese before heading back to the Eiffel Tower to see it sparkle in person :) Luckily it was a nice night and we got to hang out in the lawn. After that we came home and woke up early to take a plane to Kraków! :)
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