I sit here writing this blog with only 4 full days left of my two month adventure.
Since I last wrote you, my travels have taken me to two new countries, France and Spain. I spent approximately 5 days in Paris, France and then 2 days on the French coast sea town, Sete. Both were wonderful.
Paris has never been a place that I've really wanted to visit for some reason, but I had friends there and a free place to sleep, so I took advantage of the opportunity. The city of love was best described to me as, "intimidating architecture." I think this sums up the city very well.
It is truly awe-inspiring as everything is HUGE! I mean massive. The maps of Paris do not do it justice because everything takes at least 30 minutes to walk to if not more. The buildings just consume you and in their presence you are frozen gazing at them. Unfortunately, you soon become numb to the enormity of the city and just start to wish that walking would actually get you to your desired location.
I found that my favorite section of town was Montmarte. This is up a hill in Paris so not only the view is gorgeous, but it's a colorful artisitic area. Great artists such as Picasso, Dali, Degas, and many more found this section their safe haven. For those of you that don't know Paris very well I will also tell you that this area ironically is the same area that Moulin Rouge resides.
As I walked the streets of Paris I found that I found things I really appreciated about the city, but they were not what I assumed I would like. When I arrived in Paris I figured I'd love the Louvre, Versailles, and the Effiel Tower as everyone talks about those things. What I loved most were the catacombs of over 8,000 people buried underground, going up the towers of Notre Dame, and visiting the National Paris Opera House (same one that the story ,"The Phantom of the Opera" is based in). Because of this realization I was very glad that I did not do the bus tours that show you all the "best" of Paris because I found I had a different opinion than the tour companies.
A bus ride every once in a while would have been nice though...
Sete, France was a location on the coast of France that had a cheap hostel and I absolutely loved it. There is just a difference in the air of coastal towns and it was a relief coming from such a bustling city such as Paris. I spent two splendid nights in Sete eating 6 euro mussels (that's cheap!), sun bathing, eating nutella crepes, window shopping, and more! The hostel I stayed in was also very nice and I roomed with 2 girls that were from Germany and New Zealand, but spoke English! It was delightful to get to know them.
Yesterday I traveled (on a whim) to Madrid, Spain. I had never been before and I had a friend that had room in her flat for me. I've been blessed with so many people that are willing to put up with me for a few days and it has made traveling so much more fun!
Maria and I met during my Freshman year at Shenandoah Univeristy and we've kept in touch throughout the years. It's been great to get to catch up with her and am very grateful for the brief visit.
Tomorrow I will go back to my favorite place in Europe thus far, Barcelona. Not only do I love the atmosphere and architecture, but I will stay with a wonderful family of a friend and get to see Guillem, one of my dearest friends.
Guillem and I went to Shenandoah University our Junior year together and I cannot wait to see him! It's been a little over a year since we got to have a coffee in Spain and I much look forward to seeing him!
Skype sometimes doesn't do a friendship justice, but it's a wonderful thing when you meet with your friends after such a long time of not seeing each other and you pick up right where you left off.
The theme of this trip besides all of the wonderful experiences has been reconnecting with friends. It has been wonderful. I much look forward to getting back to the States to share my experiences with the friends I haven't seen in the past two months.
Overall, it's hard to put into words exactly what these two months have been to me. They've been wonderful, inspirational, but words can barely do it justice.
I look forward to the trip home so I can see all of you, my family, my friends, and particularly my dog!
I'm also thinking that this blog will remain as I'm sure new experiences in my life will have to be commented upon, but only time will tell.
Wishing you all a wonderful September and hope our paths will cross soon!
Chelsea
