Profit, profit, profit

I'm going to squeeze in a last October post because yesterday was just a magical day. Well, as it started off, I was in a pretty sour mood. My Friday morning class is not doing it for me--well, the class itself is fine for the most part, but it's my professor I can't stand. Leaving class--a little late, too--just didn't put me in a good mood. Normally I try to laugh it off, but it's getting really old now. But then again, I have to put everything in perspective because I'm in Paris and things can't be that bad, right? Right. Nevertheless, my mood improved immensely during the 3 hours between that class and my Sorbonne class int he afteroon.

I bouht a sandwich and hopped the subway, getting off at Concord, which is the furthest stop on the other end of the Tuilerie Gardens, right by l'Obelisque. L'Orangerie, a small museum, is housed on that end of the gardens and they have a permanent Monet exhibition. There is also the Marmottan Museum in the 16th, which is all Monet, and I think I may go there this weekend. But L'orangerie was SPECTACULAR. I got in free, too, because of my student ID from the Sorbonne. There are two huge, round rooms in which you are completely surrounded by panels of Monet's water-lilies. Completely surrounded. I gasped when I walked into the first room because it really is incredible--calm, serene, and striking, all at the same time. Really unbelievable. His panels cover almost the entire wall and you can see the texture of his brush strokes and the lush colors he painted with. It's the next best thing to being in Giverney itself. Maybe even better. I sat on a bench and wrote some poetry, and it was the first time I've been able to just sit down and do that here. It's hard to find time in the day to write, but this is the perfect place. Some places inspire me, like that cafe I mentioned in earlier blog posts, but if I visited there again, I can't guarantee I would feel the same way because of music, other people in the room, temperature outside, etc. But here, I know I would always be inspired. I'm absolutely coming back so I can sit in Monet's presence and write more poetry.

After, I explored a gigantic church next to the Louvre. I'd seen it before and wanted to go in. It's one of my favorites now, and reminds me of both Notre Dame and the other one next to the Pantheon (though smaller than Notre Dame). My favorite part is the stained glass windows, yet every aspect of the architecture and decor is awe-inspiring. I felt nervous about being a spectator in a place where people pray and have private moments, but it was touching. I was also there as the bells were ringing for 2 'o' clock. But it wasn't just a simple "ding ding," it was a beautiful song and melody that literally stopped me in my tracks as I had been walking away from the church. I could say a bunch of cheesy, cliche things about it, and they would all be completely true. It was divine.

I had time to explore another church near me too, after walking through the Tuileries. I think I found a style I prefer--grand ,vaulted ceilings and lots of light, as opposed to that one I visited which was very dark and somber. The feelings and attitudes are completely different. This church, by my class, had stained glass windows not depicting biblical scenes but splashes of bright colors. It was like a modern take on stained glass; a fun detail.

The rest of my day was great too, and included going out for tea with Michelle, Emily, and Michelle's friend Cathy. I hope we can all do it again soon:) Em and I went to our favorite soup bar for dinner and I put my e-mail address on a mailing list so I can get the weekly schedule of soups! Because I will honestly marry the cream of mushroom soup if it would have me. Friday nights are generally relaxing and laid back because we're just coming off the end of a busy week and I'm usually still very tired. Also, we went out Thursday night to a DISCOTHEQUE which was a lot of fun but I didn't get a lot of sleep before my 9 am class yesterday morning. I'm going to profit from every moment that remains here and try to do as much as possible. Time is fleeting but I know I can make the most of this incredible place.

...Also, Happy Halloween! :)