Last night in Paris

So, my time here is reaching its conclusion...

I should give an update. Yesterday, I spent most of the day at the Louvre, which necessitated enough walking to produce blisters on my feet. I was far more interested in the ancient Egyptian and middle eastern artifacts than in the classical paintings, so I mostly skipped the latter. I did, of course, see the Mona Lisa.

Also managed to visit Reid Hall, the building where the Wesleyan-Vassar Paris program, along with several other American overseas programs, is based. Not really that exciting, but the facilities seemed decent enough.

The two of us had dinner together at a place to which Nathan had been wanting to go -- a fondue restaurant, Les Refuge des Fondus, that happened to be right near my hostel. It was excellent, though not exactly nutritious (you could choose from bread dipped in cheese, or raw beef and potatoes that you cook yourself in oil, then top with cream-based sauces.) Also, the meal includes a baby bottle (yes, actual baby bottles) full of wine. Needless to say, the place is popular with visiting students. A truly raucous atmosphere -- noisy, graffiti all over the walls, and you have to climb over the table if you're sitting against the wall. Would go again.

Today, visited the Memorial de la Shoah, a moving (and free) Holocaust museum, based on a parental recommendation. Definitely worth my time.

Afterwards, met up with Nathan at a very good gelato place, then had a cheap and filling lunch at L'As du Fellafel, reputedly the best felafel in Europe. Kosher, too. (Walking through a Jewish neighborhood felt very comforting, in a way I can't quite put my finger on.)

Then -- the Eiffel tower. I did not want to spend the money or time waiting in line to go all the way to the top, but I did walk up to the 2nd floor. Not so good for my feet, but the view was worth it. Then, for some reason, I decided to abuse my feet a little more, and walked to the lovely Citroen park - full of quasi-futuristic landscaping. Lots of parents with cute lil' urchins.

Tonight, I met Nathan at St. Michel, an area with lots of street vendors and many bookstores. Paid a visit to Shakespeare & Co (I think that's the name), an English-language bookstore that was quite fun to browse around.

I'm going to miss French pastries. Cheap, relatively speaking... I indulged quite a bit over this trip. What can I say -- it's France. I'll have to take something with me tomorrow -- there's a bakery conveniently located right across from the hostel. Heh, heh.

This trip has been my first-ever hostel experience -- and it has proved quite successful. Thank goodness.

That's all for now. A trip "post-mortem" and pictures later... I think. Can't upload till I get back to London.