My first day/night in Paris was amazing! My host family has been extremely warm and pleasant and I am really thankful that I was paired with them. They continued a birthday celebration for me (since I spent my birthday in the air), complete with galette des rois et la champagne!

Today I will be meeting up with the rest of the students in the study abroad program as well as the program directors. That means it's the first time I will travel around the city (possibly by metro, not entirely sure yet, by myself!.....

Also happening today: "des manifestations pour Charlie Hebdo".

By now, I'm sure most of you know about the attack (and subsequent hostages the day after) on the Paris-based satirical journal, Charlie Hebdo. This act of terror is fresh in the minds of Parisians and the world alike. Consequently, there will be a march today in response.

While I would like to see it, I've been advised not to go for safety reasons. However, I do intend on keeping up with it over the internet and doing a little exploring my own after meeting up with my group.


Here's a photo of a van I passed on my way home yesterday. "Je suis Charlie." "I am Charlie"