Je ne parle pas Francaise.

Today during my placement test for la Sorbonne, I discovered an important lesson- I can understand some French-- when simple and spoken slowly enough, but I can't speak it AT ALL.  When I do try to speak I sometimes mix in Spanish with the French..which is not good!  I think struggling to communicate will be the #1 challenge I face while I'm here.  Besides that the placement test went fine, since I'm expecting to place into a low level I didn't have to stress about it a bit.  

Then it was off to take a boat cruise to see Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay and a few more things from the water- it was super cold and snowed on and off today so we sat inside.   It was really pretty as the sun was setting- and everyone was excited to actually feel like we were in Paris.  

Tomorrow all we have is a 10 minute meeting with our academic advisor- mine's at 9:50 and the rest of the day I think I'll stroll, shop, and explore.  We found out today that in March we have tickets to the ballet, and in March we have a day trip to chateux Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte.  In April we have a day trip to Rouen and Giverny, which is where Monet's gardens are.  

Anyway, I need some input & suggestions: where should I go?  I am definitely going to Brussels and Amsterdam with my family, to Madrid to visit Kim, and to Interlaken.  I for sure want to go to Prague.  Also, I'm thinking of visiting Justine's family in Italy OR possibly meeting up with her when she comes for her cousin's wedding!  Any other suggestions? Merci beaucoup!