Lately I've just been doing last minute things around the most wonderful city in the world <3 I had dinner with my host family on Wednesday night after a day of shopping. I brought them flowers and little knife rests that they collect. My host mom got very scared and asked me when I was leaving. When I told her early on Saturday, she said that we HAVE to have dinner again on Friday night. How adorable.
Thursday I went to mass and then headed over to another suburb where my friend Marie lives. Her host family was on vacation, so she had a few of us over. It was a nice, relaxing day just hanging out and soaking up the last few days in Paris.
Today, Danielle, Maria and I went over to the Eiffel Tower for lunch. It was great to see that lady once again, but I know I will be back! We of course had to get crepes one last time. After, we ventured over to Paul to get macaroons to bring home. The lady kind of laughed at me since I ordered lots...Oops. Next, it was time for a margarita. Yum! Did some more walking around and then headed over to Gare de l'Est to meet our French boys for the last time since their train was pretty delayed :(
We had coffee with Olivier and Theo and chatted for quite a while. Hopefully they'll come out in May next year when they are finished with school. I really hope they can make it. Until then, we have Skype and Facebook. The wonders of technology these days!!
When I came home, I finished up packing and chatted with my host mom. When my host dad got home, we had a cute little dinner in the dining room and my knife rests were out! So precious. My host mom also got me a little gift to remember them. It is a beautiful scarf. I'm going to wear it tomorrow since I will miss them already! Unfortunately, my host sister wasn't there because she had tons of school work. My host mom said she was very sad she didn't get to say goodbye, but I can send her a message on Facebook! For dinner, we had a delicious salad, and veggie pizza that was great as well. Of course, there was tons of bread, cheese and wine! There was also ice cream and mini chocolate cakes for dessert. The only other time my host mom made the same mini chocolate cakes was my first day with them. Sad. But, nothing could be better than my last meal in France with my host family.
My host brother and host dad carried my HUGE suitcase down the stairs for me. Thank goodness. I think this one might be over weight...oh well. I packed well for over 4 months! My host parents said I can come back any time I want and stay with them. They are way too sweet. I hope they come to the US and stay with us! I have their email addresses so at least I will be in touch with them! When I kissed my host parents goodnight/goodbye, it finally hit me. It's over. It's over. I can't even believe it is over. I ran up to my room and cried. I don't understand how time flies...
Paris will always have a place in my heart. These last four months have been the best months of my life. You learn so much about yourself when you have to be completely independent in a foreign, non english speaking country. To be honest, there weren't as many obstacles as I thought to be. Hardly any, actually. Everything worked out better than I expected. I regret NOTHING. But it's time to go home to my family and loved ones. Paris, I will be BACK. Very very soon.
"I've got my things
I'm good to go
You met me at the terminal
Just one more plane ride and it's done"
Thank you to everyone who has followed my European adventures. Another chapter of my book has come to an end, but this is one that I will always re-read. Toujours.
"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose"
I especially thank my wonderful parents who gave me this amazing opportunity. I am one lucky girl.
Gros Bisous!
