the World Cup begins!

As I plunge into my last week of classes, I'm excited for "summer", yet so sad because it also marks the end of my stay. Not only does that make me sad, but also because all of the people that have made my Paris experience incredible have left!! Silvia, Gillian, Moriah, Meg, Hatziri (will be leaving), Cris&Tracy&Reina&Luis&Ally (left from their visit) and Joanne, my new Scottish friend is leaving next weekend! Luckily, I decided to spend my last couple of euros on a ticket to Venice. Yes, I am going one last time to the land of Italians to visit the Fierro's! But don't tell them, because it's a surprise!! Only Luca knows at this point.

As I countdown the days left in Paris, my roommate Cristina countsdown the days until she leaves for South Africa!! But before that trip, she came and gave me a visit! I'm going to miss her so much at Marquette next semester. But I am learning to not let the sadness take over. Its going to be a good semester for the both of us, not just one way. ;)

Everyday that goes by, I find out about something new going on in the city and I quickly make plans to add it to my busy schedule. I love it. The week leading up to my departure it's the Foire de St. Germain ( a big street festival that supports all kinds of Art -pottery, photography, painting, light, music, dance, etc. ). Also the 18 of June is the 70th Anniversary of the Appel de 18 Juin from Charles de Gaulle during the time of the Vichy Government in France. He called upon all the French to resist the Vichy Regime and to unite to create a France Libre. There is a big celebration on that night at the Hotel des Invalides with a music & light show. Also, the World Cup has arrived and is very very very present in Paris. Here's a couple pictures to illustrate:
This was during the USA-England game last night. The atmosphere was of course American students chanting "U-S-A" and the jolly Englishmen throwing clothes around. It was just the way it had to be. A good game, but an upset. I am going back for the Mexico-France game! Can't wait!
After the game, Joanne and I saw another stage set up on the Champs de Mars, just on the other side of the Eiffel Tower. So we made our way over. And it happened to be the Russian National Celebration. An orchestra played under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower!!!

About two weeks ago, Gillian and I went to the French Open. Although we didn't have seats in the big courts, we had seats to the other matches, mostly juniors. We got a feel for it though. There was a big screen set up showing the Women's Final, so we were content. I'm not a big Tennis fan, but Rafael Nadal makes me want to change that. Haha!
I had French Thai food for the first time in my life. At the time I thought it was the first time I was having Thai food, but then I remembered for my junior Prom I went to The Thai Place, and I also met up with Mr. Nguyen there during the summer. It was Moriah's Birthday/Goodbye dinner. So sad.
She lovingly let me keep Rosie.

In early May, I went to The Night of Museums, where most of the museums in Paris are open until 1am and are FREE! I chose to go to the Musee de L'Orangerie because I hadn't been there before and it holds Monets Nympheas. What was special about this night was that there was a musical narration in the rooms. I wish there would have been less people, but it was still impressive.

This week was my last Connect! I can't believe it! I met up with an amazing group of people for a year and we discussed the Sunday service. What I loved about our Connect was that we prayed together and everyone genuinely cared about eachother. I am so happy that I was able to meet these individuals, they've taught me a lot about my own relationship with God. Thank You all for that.
Until next time, I can't begin to express how much I am going to miss this city and all that it has done for me.

Going home in 16 days.

with hugs, Mayra.