I recently got back from a little trip to paris. I studied french in high school and after coming back from france, I think I want to study it a lot more! It is a beautiful language and such a unique culture. there are so many misconceptions we have in america about france, and french people. I want to spread the word about france and how wonderful it is! GO THERE! DO IT! it is such a wonderful place with so many interesting things to find around every corner. people are oh so accepting and nonjudgemental! almost anything goes there it seems.
TOP TEN REASONS (in no particular order) why caitlin thinks everyone should go to france at least once in their lifetime...
10. L'opera Garnier! that's where the phantom lives...gerard butler. hehe. didn't get to see him though.

9. VERSAILLES. Marie Antionette lived here! and all the french people of her day were starving and marie supposedly said "let them eat cake" and then they cut off her head. I weirdly idolize her. this place was SO SO SO big!

8. seriously old churches with beautiful architecture and stain-glass windows filled with dead people (in crypts) OOOOOOH SPOOKY. St. Denis is so much cooler than Notre Dame. and less busy. remember that.

7. THE METRO! or "metero" says my little sis (pictured below) who also was with me. it's the underground transportation system and it was so fun to figure out how to get around in it! I felt like a grown-up. and for anyone who has ever seen the film AMELIE, being underground is exactly like scenes from that movie!! there were so many people playing instruments for money. just don't make eye contact with anyone.
6. THE LANGUAGE! its beautiful and romantic and it was exciting to try to speak it. TRY is the key word. I accidently ordered steak tartar one night at a cafe though. BLECK! there was writing on apartments near Sacre Coeur that I thought was tres beau!

5. La Tour Effeil. its big. its medal. its touristy. and amazing! I actually climbed my big bum to the SECOND LEVEL! I'm quite proud.

4. Seriously famous paintings by van gogh, monet and the works! I'm not all about just seeking out the really popular, famous paintings when at a museum, I do believe that art is everywhere, not just in museums, but when at the Louvre or Musee D'Orsay, COME ON, can you blame me!

3. The view from our hotel room. many many times I wanted to burst out into beauty and the beast songs like belle.

2. walking through the park on a sunday afternoon and seeing this...(men in the park playing chess!!)

1. the great chance to have the time of your life with your little sister!

everyday I was there it was magical! it opened my eyes to the world around me! go go go!