Clermont-Ferrand

Cathedral made of volcanic stone, legit.

After all the hustle and bustle of Paris I was treated to an easy few days in Clermont-Ferrand, France. We walked, and shopped, and ate, and walked some more. On some of the streets it felt as if I had been transported back into medieval times, strolling down cobblestone streets beside antique storefronts, all that was missing were the rats. My aunt Cyndy showed me the two large Cathedrals in town, both are stunning and well worth the trip. The first is in the Gothic style made of volcanic stone making it extremely dark with bright, intricate stained glass windows. This cathedral could give Notre Dame a run for its money. The second, Notre Dame du Port, is in the Romanesque style with bright sand stone and tall columns. The elegance and intricacy of these churches baffles me, how did people do this hundreds of years ago?

The organ at the cathedral.

If you ever find yourself in Clermont you absolutely most go to Le Kitchen! This was the best meal I had in France, even better than Paris. I had the regional menu of an Auvergnian salad, coufidou (lentil stew with beef and carrots), and chocolate mousse, tres bien!

France was an amazing beginning to my European adventure, a huge merci to my aunt Cyndy and uncle Berle for being such amazing hosts, tour guides, and photography teachers!

Paris, Je t'aime!

View from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

When I first thought of Paris the first thing that came to my mind was history and lots of old stuff. It is so much more than that: food, wine, culture, art, cute men in skinny jeans, etc. The day I arrived in Paris my Aunt Cyndy and Uncle Berle picked me up from Charles- De Gaulle, minus my bag which arrived the next day thank you Delta. I hit the ground and the adventure began with a ride on the RER to our hotel and then to the Louvre. It’s astounding the amount of artwork and artifacts that are housed in this former Castle/Fortress. I feel bad for the paintings in the Italian room though; Mona Lisa hogs all the attention. The room is filled with some of the most breath taking paintings you will ever see, directly across from Mona Lisa is my new favorite painting The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese (picture below). If you plan to visit the Louvre make sure to get a map because I can just imagine getting lost, locked in and the paintings and statues coming to life… it could happen!

Today I awoke with a jet lag hangover that was quickly cured with amazing Café au lait and croissants, merci Hotel Diana. And again we were off, traipsing through Paris. We rode the metro to the Champs-Elysees and climbed the 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, who needs a stairmaster when you have Paris. This was the most mind-blowing view; you could see all of Paris for miles and miles. Being so high up would satisfy anyone’s Napoleon complex, from up there you feel like you can conquer the world. Then we went to the Eifel tower, walked through the Tuileries garden and went back to the Louvre for a Starbucks; don’t judge. Paris has so much to offer it’s almost impossible to see it all but Aunt Cyndy is a fabulous tour guide showing me all the most best parts of the city. 

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Parisian Stair Master!

 

These two days have been wonderful and a great appetizer to the rest of my European feast. Tomorrow I’m off to Clermont! Au revior!

The Battle of the Suitcase

And on the 8^th day God created a suitcase big enough for study abroad. Today I went through my closet and picked out all of the clothes, shoes, accessories, etc that I couldn’t live without for six months. Looking at my selection I was happy, actually feeling quite proud of my “minimalist” mindset. Then the great battle began. I did everything to attempt to fit all of my needs into one large suitcase and my carry on. I pushed and rolled and shoved and jumped on my bag trying to force it into submission.  Ultimately, the suitcase won.

I unpacked, edited some more, screamed, cried, repacked, laughed and was finally able to zip my bag, with the help of my Dad.  Clearly there needs to be an airline exception for girls studying abroad. I might meet my future husband and will have absolutely NOTHING to wear; I guess I’ll just have to go shopping. Who knew packing could be such an emotional roller coaster? If only I had Mary Poppins’ carpet bag.

All of the "needs" minus Sammie, she would put me over the weight limit.

 Tomorrow I fly to Paris, au revior!