Il y a une greve?

The subject line ("There is a strike?") pretty much sums up today for me!  First of all, because if the strike had not been so completely hyped up to me, I would have had no idea about it, and also because I had a wonderful, relaxing day.  

Photos from yesterday:

Fauchon, one of several tres chic grocery stores here.  This one was actually a bit too chic-- prepared meals started at like 20 euro!  I prefer the Grand Epicerie because it has normal groceries, not just ridiculously expensive ones.  Plus, it's bigger.

Eglise de la Madeleine (Madeleine church).  I kept rechecking my map to see if this was actually a church-- definitely doesn't look like one to me!  Apparently the most fashionable weddings in Paris occur here.  This isn't surprising because when I took this picture I was standing right next to Dior, Chanel, Gucci, etc.  

This is the part of the Seine which is about two blocks from my apartment.  I haven't done nearly enough exploring around my area yet-- because I am so far out, I don't normally get back here 'til about 6 or 7 ish and by then I am too tired to explore!  Hopefully the nice weather will change things.  I just realized I should really do a post with pictures from my area and of my apartment.  I'll keep it in mind for next week!   

Today after bracing myself for the strike for seemingly no reason at all, a few of us decided to check out Bois de Boulogne.  We brought a picnic, enjoyed the beautiful weather, read, and people watched.  Once it gets nicer out we want to rent rowboats and get out on the water!  

I'm off to study for tomorrow's test.  Also for some non-Paris news... AU made it to the sweet sixteen for the second year in a row after 40-ish years of not making it.  If you remember, last year we gave Tennessee quite a run for their money (in the first half, at least!).  This year, we start off against Villanova tonight at 7:20 on CBS!  GO AU! 

If I was a rich girl...

What better way to ward off illness than a little (window) shopping?  After class today I checked out Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette, two of Paris' big department stores.  I must say that nothing can really compare to Harrods, but I love seeing the elaborate displays.  

My phonetics class started today and I think it will be very helpful.  Unlike most of the AU students here, I've only taken one semester of French so I haven't had any time to develop any sort of accent or even a feel for the pronunciation of a lot of words.  It's been a lot of trial and error so far but the class should help me move along at a faster pace.  

After class, before shopping I went to the Musee National Eugene Delacroix.  I really like Delacroix's work and the museum was in his most recent apartment and studio from the 1800's.  It was quite small and most of his more important work is at the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay, but now I have context for his work!

While waiting to meet friends I peeked into the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, which was gorgeous.  I've never seen so much painting on the inside of an old church, usually it's strictly stone and stained glass.  Also I like finding the occasional oasis of calm amidst the crazyness of Paris!  It's kind of sad though because after struggling to (somewhat) translate and understand the history of the Abbey, you step outside and can spot a Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and other crazy-expensive shops.  C'est la vie.

My illness has transformed into a bad cold, now I am able to breathe solely through my throat instead of solely through my nose.  Fun!  On the whole, I'm feeling better and am hoping for a miraculous recovery before I ship out to Strasbourg on Friday afternoon.

What I did today..

Kicked off the day with a meeting with my academic advisor-- just making sure all my classes are in order.

Then went to the Conciergerie- palace for French kings and eventual prison which had Marie Antoinette's cell. 

Right next door, Sainte-Chapelle.  Awesome cathedral with lots of stained glass that I admired- just one room (the upper sanctuary) had 1,113 scenes depicted in stained glass.

Then of course, some shopping.  I got a hair dryer, floss, & a navy blue/teal plaid scarf.

Checked out my school.

The sun came out so we headed up to Montmartre and enjoyed the view.

Entered Sacre-Coeur and the difference between the bustling outdoors and silent indoors was great.

Climbed down some steps and headed home.

Watched Grey's Anatomy in French with my Host Mom, and here I am!