rabbit rabbit

I can't believe it's October already. Mostly because that means I have to buy a new monthly pass for the Metro. Anyway, last week was a week of "firsts." I saw my first taxi strike which was incredible because they have them here all the time and no one thinks anything of them. Protests are so normal and accepted that it makes the States look lazy. Waiting outside for school to start there was this line of hundreds of taxis crawling up the boulevard and honking their horns endlessly. Eventually they stopped, parked their cars; got out and stood around on the street waiting for non-protesting taxis to drive by (scabs I suppose) who they would then yell at, spit at, and throw eggs and garbage at. Then they got back in their cars and continued their honking parade. The best part was that they had a police escort this whole time. Oh, Paris. I also experienced my first real day of rain. It didn't stop all day and was absolutely freezing and gross and wet and I forgot what rainy days in a city were like. To celebrate my first rain day in Paris, I bought a double espresso and experienced my first French coffee to go (a emporter). Not as acceptable in Paris as it is elsewhere. In fact, I think most people find it to be very strange. Why wouldn't you sit in a cafe and have that? Because I don't have time, as the Americans would say. Unfortunately, I have not acquired Dad's green thumb and have yet again murdered another plant. I kill plants. It's awful to admit it because I love having them around, but apparently it doesn't just take water and sunlight for them to survive. Poor Monique. Yesterday I went to the Musee Rodin which was incredible because it was absolutely beautiful out, probably one of the last days, and it was free thanks to IFE for our Sorbonne cards saying that we're art history students. The gardens around the museum were gorgeous and it was so incredible to see so many of his pieces at once. I took a lot of pictures, so will post them soon. Caroline went to Barcelona and bought me a gorgeous pair of earrings. I love her for that. I've also eaten an entire jar of Nutella since I've been here. Which is not something to be proud of. And not just any sized jar, but a big one. This is probably the number one reason for my weight gain. But as I've said before and what has become my mantra thus far, I'd rather be fat in Paris than fat in Baltimore.

a bientot!