Dead People and Terrifying Heights

Hello loyal followers! Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I finally have some time to catch up on the blog. Yesterday, I had the chance to sleep in late (11am) before lunch and one afternoon language class. After class, we went to the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter. The Pantheon is a giant building modeled after the structure of the same name in Rome. The main corridor and floor are breathtaking, and the designs remind one of a large Church. Luckily with a student discount, the trip only cost 5 euro. Can't find enough ways to save money in Paris.


Dozens of France's most famous citizens are buried in the Pantheon in the crypt below the main level. The likes of Emile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Louis Braille, Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau find their final resting places in the cold and calm crypt. Pictured below is the tomb of Voltaire.


Today, we had a veryyy long 2 classes in a row from 10am-4:30pm with a lunch break in between. The Parisian heat has become unbearable, reaching into the high 80s. The worst part is that few-to-none of the buildings in the city have air conditioning, including our school. It is difficult to pay attention in the heat, let alone all in French. Our politics professor gave us a short quiz. It was not too bad, but I am not sure I did very well. It's hard to remember we actually have work to do while we are here in the City of Lights.


After class, Melissa, Kate, and I ventured to the Eiffel Tower. We promised ourselves that we would make the most out of our last two weeks in Paris by seeing as many tourist sights as possible. A 30 minute line and a 6.50 euro ticket later, we were up on the second floor of the Tower, which is about 2/3 way to the top. The sights were absolutely phenomenal, and the summer heat and sunshine made for a clear view. Scaling the elevators (or stairs) up and down is certainly worth the effort and time.


I am really going to have to start focusing the next two weeks on my work. Two presentations are fast approaching next week. Today, my professor outlined the details of the proficiency exam, which is a week from next Monday. I am incredibly nervous, but it is difficult to find the time to prepare for it separate from all the other work. Luckily, it is after our last weekend in Paris when all our other work has concluded. It is certainly be a challenge to focus of the exam and celebrating the end of the program!