Why this term has been the best!

I can't believe that I'm going home in a week for Easter. It seems about five minutes since I got back to Paris after Christmas!

This term has been absolutely amazing. I've loved pretty much every minute- of course, not those spent writing essays into the early hours the night before a deadline! It's all part of the student life, I suppose.

Whereas I spent pretty much the whole of last term trying to find my feet here and balancing studying, work, a social life and sleep (I still haven't cracked this), this term I've been able to relax and just enjoy being here. My area really does feel like home now, and so do all my other favourite places in Paris. I've had more time to go out with my friends, and I've met so many amazing new people at language events. Plus, I went to Disneyland for the first time, and got excited like a small child.

It's odd to think that I arrived here knowing nobody. Now I feel so lucky to be living with such wonderful girls, and to know some amazing people at uni. I've found out that I actually like doing exercise, and actively look forward to going for a run. What's happened?!
 I've had loads of cool movie nights, and gone to the massive cinemas in Montparnasse to see some amazing new releases. I guess this is what happens when you live with people who know a lot about films and theatre. I'm not complaining!

On Thursday, I saw Zazie on her Encore Heureux Tour. This chanteuse is the whole reason that I even started learning French in the first place, so seeing her perform for the first time (my dream for about six years) in Paris, where I live because of her, was perfect. I knew every single song she sung by heart, not only because they taught me French, but because they each represented a different part of my teenage years. Of course, I bought loads of overpriced merchandise, including a massive poster (to my roommates dismay!).

It was one of the best nights of my life. It kind of felt like a symbolic end to my period of feeling like a newbie here. I feel like I've been upgraded one level closer to being a real Parisian.


I especially feel this way because today I had lunch in my favourite café in St Michel with some of my favourite people, and then we went to see Don Giovanni at the Versailles Opera. It really was the perfect Sunday.

I know that exams are looming, but for now, I just want to make the most of Paris in the spring and my wonderful flatmates who won't be here next year.
This time next week, I'll be back in my front room with my lovely family. I can't wait to see you all!

K x