Spent the day outside today. After waking up well into the day (I definitely needed the sleep!) and leisurely getting ready, I decided I'd visit the Arenes des Lutece, a park with a Roman 2nd century amphitheatre. Needless to say it was really amazing, and it didn't seem to be a tourist hot spot. Brought my sketch book and tried to loosen up after a year of drawing almost never. The weather was perfect, and so I spend a while wandering through an antique street market on my way to and from the garden. I bought 100 old stamps to decorate the non-class journal I bought for the trip. Close to my hotel, I couldn't resist and bought myself a fantastic crepe for lunch! It was slightly disheartening, though, that after ordering in French, the man selling the crepes asked me where I was from...in English.

I found what looks like a really cool vegetarian French restaurant across the Seine from where I'm staying. I had planned to try it tonight, but the new shoes I was wearing cut my walking tolerance a bit short. I think I might try lunch tomorrow, if the new hotel will take my luggage early. Tomorrow is the last day on my own for a month, and I will definitely miss the freedom! I didn't even bring my watch with me today. It's wonderful to have some time totally to myself. Don't worry, I still miss everyone at home (maybe...). As I always say on fun vacations: You think I'm coming home the end of July, but really I'm gonna to go ahead and move here! :)

Here are the photos for the day. Just sketches with either oil pastels, charcoal, or pen.  The only difference between the last two is that I added pen to the second. This was a decision made after a man came over and asked to see my work and I think was actually disappointed, so I stepped back and tried something rash for me: mixing media. Please, tell me whether you think my decision was a success or not! Feedback is always helpful...

Today was my arrival in Paris! After two flights, too many security checks, and an airport shuttle to my hotel, I am finally here in Paris, getting settled. Didn't get here until almost dinnertime, so tomorrow will be the day I really get started. The photos are from my hotel. Two from the balcony outside my room and one from the stairwell. I'm in an area with a lot of cafes and more local than tourist stores. I spent the evening out walking, admiring the eclectic architecture of anything from apartments to a rundown hospital. I think either tonight or tomorrow, I will go back and sketch it.

Well, that's about all the excitement for today. I might go catch a coffee in a little bit. Or catch up on sleep. Definitely a smooth transition into Paris! Now if only I could stop answering people's questions in Spanish... :)

Travel Chaos

Eek! Trying to figure out where I will stay and what I will do between July 17th and July 28th...Have to figure out something before the flight tomorrow night. Oy, still have a lot of work to do! We'll see what happens... :)

Start of an Adventure

This will be my space to record my six-week trip to France, and give updates on where I am and what amazing things I'll be doing for the pleasure of my family and friends. I will have internet in my hotel, so I will attempt to be fairly diligent about posting. The adventure begins this Friday, so wish me luck and keep reading!