From Dublin, for the Last Time

    

This is pretty much what I've been listening to on this trip. When I had a chance to choose my music, this was often it. I hope you find something you like! Enjoy!

By the time you read this, I'll be on a plane, over the Atlantic ocean, on my way home. Wow. Expect some aftershock posts to come.

     Closing remarks, that's sort of what this is going to be. Are you sad? Because I am very sad! It breaks my heart to think that I'll no longer be "Just three hours from London by train!" or just around the corner from a good patisserie, a ten minute walk to the river Seine, or the river Liffey, or the river Thames, and that I won't be able to pop into just any store and pick some Kinder, or a Mars bar, I can't throw some coins into a machine in the Metro and get a two pack of Beuno, and I can't walk into a McDo with a coupon from the bus and get a whole meal for two pounds, and have it actually taste delicious!
 
  I am trying to be really excited about going home..but I'm not. I'm excited to see my family and friends, sure, and I'm excited to take real warm showers and paint my nails and have regular access to a laundry machine...but I've gotten used to showering less often, restyling grimy travel wear, getting ready for the day in two minutes because there isn't a mirror around and it doesn't matter anyway. I've enjoyed the true concentration it takes to have a conversation with someone who you can't understand, and have learned better than to mentally convert your purchases back into USD (it's always scary!). I've stayed out late and stayed in all day, taken trains, planes, metro cars, trams, buses, moving walkways and bikes; my feet have stood on thousand year old marble floors, velvet from Louis XIV's time, cobblestone streets that millions of people have walked, and wooden bathroom floors through which you can see the salon below.
 
      And even though I am anticipating absolute devastation when I return to America, and I fully expect to cry on the plane, I am really looking forward to life! I'm excited to see how what I've learned, how I've lived and listened and waited and watched and talked, here, will change how I do those things when I "return" to my "regular" life. I don't think I am capable of having a "regular" life, especially not after I've seen what I've seen and heard what I've heard and stood where I stood. What about it all was so spectacular, you ask? Well, none of it. What I saw was thousands of people living different lives and doing different things and thinking different ways, just because they could, or because their parents did, or because they wanted to! I saw people chase dreams and lose hope and find love and break hearts, I saw some of the wealthiest people I might ever see, as well as some of the most poverty stricken. I smelled a perfume worth over 5,000 Euro, and the piss filled staircases of the Seine, and none of it was shocking, because it was all just how life is.

     And all of this got me thinking, what if..what if I thought like that, what if I dressed like that, what if I talked like that, what if I made those sorts of choices? I questioned EVERYTHING, about everything I knew and saw and thought and wanted.  And you know what I discovered? I really can be anything I want.
And this trip really did open my eyes the way everyone says things like this do.
And I really do feel like a changed person, now.
And I really do feel more fulfilled and sure of myself.
And I really do want to return, big time.
And it really was magic.
And it really was worth every single cent I paid for airfare, food, clothes, souvenirs, and school. Every euro cent, penny, and pence. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for helping me out here).

     And while I was here, and everywhere, I reevaluated who I am, and who I want to be, and what I want to work on. I have new goals for myself and new standards for myself, and new projects. (psst I've started TWO books...shhhh)

     So. I don't really know how to go home, I've never had to do it before. I am ten times more afraid to return as I was to go. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I left. No idea how much I could learn. And knowing what I've accomplished for myself...I feel armed and ready but no idea what I'm shooting at.
Here goes nothing.

Welcome to Ireland, now..go home?? :(

     So you may recall I lost quite a bit of weight while I was in France...about twenty pounds and I didn't really have to do anything except live the way I was. Well, I've been in Ireland for about 36 hours now and I've gained back ten of it. Thanks, Dublin, you devil.

     Would you like to know THE NUMBER ONE REASON THE UK IS BETTER THAN THE USA? I'll tell you. it's quite simple really, but it's the most incredible thing, and no matter how the USA tries to duplicate it, it will never be as good. This thing, that I'm about the tell you, is THE reason I'm considering skipping my flight tomorrow (if I had to choose just one reason). This thing, is Primark. PRIMARK, people/. PPPRRRRRIIIMMMAAAARRRRK!!!!! The land of shopping heaven. Seriously. Everything you could ever wanted for any even possible, decent enough quality, and just for what you'd spend on lunch. Seriously. I've spent over ten hours in Primark and I've only been in the UK for a week, and I've only spent about 50 bucks here, because I keep forcing myself to put things back. (space in my suitcase is the best motivator so far). I am crying (...inside...of course) about leaving the land of Primark. So if anyone knows anyone who lives in the UK and would be willing to go shopping for me a few times a year...I'd love to chat! 

     I've been eating a ton (ok..this might be the actual reason for the first paragraph...whatever), basically anything I can get my hands on  that isn't American, I'll eat. I think it's some sort of ridiculous way to keep myself here, like, if I don't fit on the plane...I have to stay, right? Or maybe, it's because I'm hoping if I continue to ingest bits of Ireland and England, they'll stay in my system after I've left the country. I'm not really thinking, honestly, just shoveling. What, am I shoveling? Mars Bars. Picnic bars (The ONLY Cadbury I like). Maynards Wine Gums, Strawberry-Pear-Vanilla ice cream bars, Mint Matchmakers Mcflurries, BigMacs (they're amazing here), fish n chips, bangers and mash, coke, ham sammies with coleslaw inside, Srawberry flavored volcanic water,  and fake peppermint mentos. OK, yeah, I know it's all junk food. Shut up. It's delicious.

One thing I HAVEN'T eaten yet, but I mean, really, they're so inviting! I might...

     I'm sort of just wandering around, getting lost on purpose, running into things and people and scuffing up my shoes, anything to magically extend my time here, to take it all in, to make the most of my final hours. Tonight I'm going to sit on the river, eat digestives and drink an 80cent can of shandy, nasty as it is, because there is something so magical about the idea of leaving where I began, as if by somehow completing the cycle, I'm setting it in motion for next time, so that it isn't a time line with starts and stops but a real cycle. One can hope.

So long, Dublin, thanks for helping me get started and round off. I won't forget yeh yet.

One last lovely look up the Liffey from O'Connell Street

A London Bite

Surprise, I'm in London! I arrived bleary eyed and sleep deprived Monday morning at 5am after a very tiresome bus trip. After that, I hauled my 70lb baggage about 3 miles to my hostel, which I quickly discovered is an awful place to spend a week. The whole place smells, and I'm pretty sure the main culprit in my room is in the bed above me. This mystery person is ALWAYS in bed, no matter what time of day or night I pop into my room, someone is in there. Today, I went to change after a long morning walk and a random man in black climbed down from the bed and removed the sheets....so now I'm a bit confused.
On my way to my hostel I crossed Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, both of which are beautiful right now. For it being December, I'm surprised at the total lack of white. Not so much as a frost going on, though I did spy a few snow flakes yesterday!

Scenes from Hyde Park/ Kensington Gardens, seriously beautiful.  

I "live" just down the road from Oxford Street, which is seriously...mad. Not only is the traffic crazy, but the shopping, I have NEVER seen shopping like this. Every British store I've ever heard of is on this street, usually more than once! There is probably 7 Starbucks, 5 McDonalds, 3 Pret A Manger's, 10 Boots', and two or three each H&M, Urban Outfitters, Primark, La Senza, HMV, and more!! And all within..idk, less than half a mile probably. SO MUCH SHOPPING. I am, of course, a poor college student so I can't actually partake in the shopping, but I did take a very lustful peruse through Primark while picking up a few things for Christmas gifts.

Wandering through Notting Hill and I found my favorite dead person! :)

Can we just appreciate for a moment that my nail polish chipped into a tree?!?! :D Also, that is some serious knuckle pudge goin' on.

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The above was written on day two of me being in London, the rest of this post is written in Dublin, so don't you be gettin' mad about me changing tenses on you, k?
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I went to see a showing of Les Mis, specifically to see Carrie Hope Fletcher perform as Eponine. She is a girl I have followed online for a while now and is a huge role model to me, so seeing her perform was a dream come true. Sneaky Janice...I accosted an usher (..twice..) about how to catch the actors after the show and he told me exactly which door to leave from, how quickly I needed to walk down the stairs, and even turned a blind eye when I magically appeared in a seat much closer to the important exit, and also much more expensive than the one I purchased (Which is dumb, because you could only see half the stage in my new seat..) Basically, I had an amazing night, ended up being able to meet Carrie, talk to her, get a hug, an autograph, and a great photo, and yes, the show was amazing as well.

Meeting the one person I was praying to meet this trip. Seeing someone you respect in person, and having them be REAL...that is a life changing experience, and I think the whole trip was worth it, just for those 5 minutes in Wardour Ave.

I did quite a bit of wandering this week, though all in Central London. I saw most all the major sites once or twice, and I really enjoyed my time :)

Westminster, London Eye, Nelson Tower (Trafalgar Square), National Gallery, Blue Chicken...didn't read the plaque, it's at Trafalgar as well! Picadilly Circus, and again, looking down Regent Street, Selfridges! 

I ate most of my meals at McDonalds, showered in a room that was speckled with mold and smelled of warm ham, and walked a fresh set of blisters and sores into my body. But the people I met made it all worth it, they reminded me that life isn't about the things you can check off your list, it's about the moments built into getting there, and the people who came along. Everyone said I would love London, and (typical Janice...) I then set out to hate it, just to prove them wrong, but I couldn't. It was an amazing few days, worth every creak in the bedframe, and every blister on my feet and hands. Until next time, London, goodnight !

London..keeping it real-Flu Jabs

My Week in Forty Six Pictures

The assorted art is all from Le Centre Pompidou, which houses the National Museum of Modern Art. There was so much amazing art and I would have loved to spend hours and hours there, but I was exhausted and had a lot to do, so i had to cut my visit down to only 3.5 hours :/ It is by far my favorite exhibit so far, and the one I am most strongly considering revisiting on my last day here, which is Free Museum day.  Alors, without further ado, my week in 46 pictures. Feel free to question me down below. 

Quite close to home. The gallery on the top left is a different thing every week, I love it!

Walking into my appt

Art from Centre Pompidou

Walking around last Monday. Whatever the roof bubbles are, I want one

   

Thats my Prof, Mikkel, talking about Picasso

                                                                          

On the right is a remake of a wall in Andre Breton's appt

Views of Paris from the roof of the Centre

I love the white space

Some thoughts to keep with you this week :)

Montmartre and coming home with me!

I ventured up to Montmartre today, to see the Sacre Coeur and the surrounding views. It was swarming with tourists, despite the less than ideal weather, so I didn't spend much time up there, but I did wander some tiny streets and grab a few lovely photos. It was a great hike!

A cute little view  about 1/3 of the way up the hill.

You already know I love streets like this. In case you didn't, I LOVE THESE.

Down the back side of the hill, looks a little resort-y eh?

I don't know what this is. Look it up.

One portion of the view from the front of the church. See that building with the lights on it? (one third from right, half way down) I live about two buildings closer than that.

The tramway up the longest and steepest portion of the hill. I actually walked this, meandering around the hillside, and took the tram down.

The famous church. No, I didn't go inside because people.

The busy street coming from the tram to the metro stop, It is pretty much ALL souvenir shops and food stands.

Now, I realized that I haven't shown you any of my neighborhood yet, so I took a few quick pics on my way home, nothing extraordinary, but they give you a bit of a flavor for my neighborhood. It's mostly a through-way to get to larger areas, so even though there are lots of apartments and restaurants and pedestrians, the cars just keep going through. It's relatively quiet, and it's not my favorite place, but hey-it's home.Just kidding. It won't let me upload more pictures. Pictures of my neighborhood to come soon.

Finally, Love inside Paris

As long as I've been here, I've loved venturing outside the city to discover what sort of magic lies beyond the streets I see everyday. This weekend, finally found two places inside Paris that I can consider to be favorites. I've discovered that I don't like the neighborhood I live in, and why. It lacks character (I know, is it even legal to say that about Paris?) and it lacks open space. My two new faves are rich in both personality and air, and I loveeeeee it.
First, Paris 5th. I don't have any pictures of my own of the 5th, yet, but it is full of incredibly old and historically significant buildings that don't just look like the rest of 18th/19th century Paris. For example, the Pantheon!

Totally stole this from Rachelray.com

Several blocks away, but still feeling fine :)

The streets around this square are wide, and yet quiet, and I loved it. We happened to be walking by the local high school as their lunch period was ending, and it was really fun to see Parisian teenagers. I discovered that I've likely been seeing teenagers the whole time and didn't know it, because they are literally just miniature Parisians. They wear dark colored trench coats and carry Longchamp bags and briefcases and man purses and smoke in the street as they eat lunch from the boulangerie. It was sort of amusing to watch, but I also felt a twinge of jealously, I wish I was that sophisticated! Then again, I'm pretty happy I didn't have to wear heels to school every day...ick.

The next place is the area surrounding les Jardins du Ranelagh, in what I think is the 16th. It's a beautiful area with charming streets, trees everywhere, and a somehow smaller town feel, even while having a great view of the Eiffel Tower. It was a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.

I climbed out of the metro to this...so much better than my usual sight. 

LOOK! A bird IN THE AIR! I knew I would love it here.

My only real taste of fall. I love November :)

A closed down merry go round, still beautiful, even when not 'perfect' :)

I'm getting pretty sad about leaving so soon, even though I miss my family and my home, and its driving me mad to imagine a life without the metro and these rooftops and 89 cent bread that makes you be totally ok with everything in the world. I hope the weather turns soon, and that I feel better soon (have been a bit under the weather lately) so that I can enjoy my last few weeks here to the fullest.

Self centered universe and Germany!

I spent most of last week staying up all night on the internet and sleeping all day.
I loved it
I just ate 125 grams of Kinder.
I'm pretty sure I just gained back all the weight I've lost.
I discovered the Paris 5th, and I LOVE IT.
I still want to move here.
I hung out with my friend Vivien who I know from high school. She's from Germany Au Pairing just outside Paris. We had falafel and crepes and German chocolate and watched an excellent movie.
My roommate was gone for the weekend, and honestly, the space was fantastic!
I'm now tired and behind on homework and ready to come home for the holidays and also scared to death of leaving Paris because I know I might never come back.
My hunk of a boyfriend got his mission call last week to Germany Berlin! Whooo! Super stoked, couldn't be more excited or more proud.

I'll upload some pictures later this week. Probs.

St. Michel, you have stolen my heart

St. Michel.
I was on a mission tonight, I mission for falafel, because I had a craving. So I hopped on the 4 down to St Michel. I got lost, of course, and walked around the block to get my bearings before heading down a quiet and comfortable street called Saint Andre des Arts. I walked by quite a few little restaurants selling falafel, until I found it-Maoz Falafel. 4.90 for a great big pita with 5 balls of falafel and an open salad bar. I loaded mine up and walked down the streets,shoving my face with the best 5 euros I've ever spent. It was so good, in fact, that a pug belonging to a highly attractive young man followed me for half a block before his owner finally caught him. After that, I wandered the Seine, the Isles, and the streets surrounding. I went into several shops looking for a Paris patch, and was complimented on my french twice! Next I found a really big bookstore and bought some postcards, one of the best prices I've seen at 0.20 each. I had decided it was time to go home when I saw a sign for an English bookstore around the corner. I got lost again, of course, but finally happened upon a little tiny store, overfilled with books and twinkle lights. The man behind the counter was very nice, offering me coffee and book advice. He let me dig through stacks until I found one I was happy with, Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. I went home after that, and there was an accident on the metro meaning my normally ten minute trip took thirty, but that's ok. All in all, I spent almost three hours on this trip, and only wandered a section about 5 blocks square.
     It's incredible what you will find if you just take the time.

I wish I could put into pictures the way the city feels, with the breeze as you walk with the Seine, or walking along a bustling tree lined road after work gets out, or meandering down a cobblestone alleyway with delicious food while people smile at you and say << bon appetit >>.  It really is a beautiful city, and I fall in love with it a little more every day.

Notre Dame de Paris in the setting sun

My spoils for the night, I only spent 4.50 on all of this! 

The Seine as the sun sets. I LOVE Paris. 

Hidden Pictures!

FINALLY found some pictures I new I took but couldn't find. They were meant to be panoramas, but because I have never taken one on my camera, they didn't turn out quite as nice as hoped for, but it still gives you a pretty good idea of why I love this place :) Click to enlarge!

This is from the top of the tower in the woods at Fontainebleau. I just love how lush everything is!

Some of the beautiful greenery along the promenade at the Chateau de Saint Germain en Laye

More of the view from said promenade, you can see Paris!