I can't believe I am almost halfway done with my time in Paris. This was really the right place and time for me and I am very happy.

My parents just left this weekend from a week-long visit along with my Aunt Sharon. They did a ton of sight-seeing without me and some with me as well. I got to show them the NYU campus, my favorite hot chocolate place, and some fun shopping and eating out. We also went to my favorite museum (the D'Orsay). I think one of the biggest highlights for me was the day trip to Chateau de Fountainbleu. It has been a residence for kings from as far back as the 12th century and was the main hunting lodge for French kings. Various kings added on wings, decor, and renovations over the years, so each room and wing of the castle is truly unique. Beautifully planned gardens, amazing architecture, and so many details made it very impressive and special. Once my dad downloads his pictures I hope to post some here.

In addition to all the running around my family was treated to two homecooked French meals. The first was with my host family and it was a ball. As usual for Karina (my roomie) and I every week, there was a lot of alcohol and food in general, so we were in our habitual food coma by 11 pm and my parents went home just as full. My host parents absolutely love my family and my host dad is absolutely smitten with my aunt..he asks about her ALL the time it's a little creepy fr us but we humor him. Friday night we had a great dinner with Astrid and Bruno and family which was so fun. I finally got to meet her (really cute) brothers and spend some more time with them. Bruno cooked a lot of it and made us a foie gras that was delicious. It was really fun and I think it is a special way to add to a trip to meet natives and spend some time in French culture.

This week and next I have midterms so I really don't have a ton of time outside of studying. I am trying to plan some travel for the weeks ahead, maybe even just by myself. I am getting tired of waiting for people but I think I will be able to work it in so I get to Brussels and one more place in France before I leave Paris.

Today I also went to the Megillah reading at my English-French synagogue. I really enjoyed the fun atmosphere and everyone was nice as usual. The people I met at Shabbat said hi again and I met this couple living here for the year who are from the city and the husband is getting his PhD from Columbia, so we reminisced about NYC a bit. I hope to get to services this week and study a lot before Sunday afternoon, which is the Purim Carnival. It is the first time all the Jewish liberal communities have collaborated on something like this and I am excited to see it even if it is just for a little while. I will try to update again after I hit the books!