le 20 janvier
Today was a very satisfying day in Paris. It began at the butt-crack of dawn (actually, before dawn, since the sun doesn't rise here until 8:45) when Hilary and I met at Diderot to take care of administrative things. Note that we met at 8 because Anne-Marie told us to be early and that there would be lines. In reality, however, the offices do not open until 9:30 and Hilary and I roamed around campus and had a nice chat for over an hour waiting to be the first -- and only -- people there to register for FLE class. WHATEVER. At least that's done. I also saw Cécile, the professor of our stage, and she was all, "Lindsey! Comment ça va?" even though I'd just seen her like, two days ago. She asked what level FLE I was signing up for and I told her the 5th one and she was like, naturally! (5th is the highest level.) Then she said something to the extent of that she knows I can express myself well orally, so she'd be interested to see my written work. Then she wished me "bonne route" (which means "good road," or like, "good luck with your travels/studies"). She is so nice.
Unfortunately, though, the Italian class I wanted to take is at the same time as my French-to-English translation class, so I'm not taking Italian. (Trying to switch my schedule would be a nightmare in the French system!) I don't want to push myself too hard, and Italian would be a sixth class (I only need four), so I decided to remain with strictly French and French/English classes. ANYWAY, now I am signed up for seven classes because I deliberately overenrolled to make sure I got everything I wanted/needed for requirements. I will be dropping two tomorrow.
After I got back to my dorm, Jenna knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to go to the Fragonard perfume museum. Obviously there is only one correct answer to this question. So we went with a few other girls, and then, when I thought I would never smell again, we walked around and shopped for forever, because the sales go until February 15th, holy crap. Despite having been shopping twice now, I have yet to buy an article of French clothing because I am picky and I refuse to settle. I must be in love with whatever it is I buy. I must be smitten. SMITTEN.
So after awhile we walked down the Champs-Élysées and toward l'Arc de Triomphe, and by this time it was getting dark so lights were coming on. The ferris wheel at the other end of the Tuileries was all lit up in the distance too. This ferris wheel was put up for New Year's and has apparently stayed up for the month of January, but I'm pretty sure it's only for parties or you need reservations or something. Near l'Arc de Triomphe there was also what appeared to be a sarcophagus wrapped in gold foil but was actually a person (which I knew from having seen it sitting on a bench on the Champs-Élysées before). Apparently he just stands there wrapped up all day on his little pedestal, not moving, and every time someone puts a coin into his can he makes a long slow bow. People were running up and trying to scare him, like they do to make the guards in London change their facial expressions, and I thought this was mean. It's his art, okay? My new mission is to get a picture with this sarcophagus-man.
This day is ending with French chocolate. Must resist urge to eat entire 250g bag at once... resistance... is futile... giving in... imminent... hey, you try resisting the smell of a French chocolatier. I dare you! Also, in case you are curious, I got dark chocolate squares, and also dark chocolates with strawberry candies on them, and also one bonus!chocolate-covered almond that I didn't realize was mixed in with one of my aforementioned selections. And no, I will not tell you how much that cost.