Last few days of freedom

Hey everybody, so my sweet briar classes start this week, hence the title, so I got in some more random exploration of Paris before I have to actually think about work (hw? in Paris? not necessary...). So anyways, on Friday I didn't have anything work related to do, so I met up with a group of friends to picnic in front of the Eiffel Tour. It was such a gorgeous day, the weather here has been great lately, although my host mom keeps telling me that it is going to get really cold soon (she seriously hates winter). But yeah, we sat around eating yummy sandwiches and splitting a bottle of wine, best lunch so far. Afterwards, we decided it was time to actually climb the Eiffel Tower, so off we went to wait in line amidst other foreigners speaking about fifty different languages. We proceeded to walk up to the first and second levels of the eiffel tower, over 600 steps. It was tiring, but totally worth it-the view was amazing. After taking pictures and wandering around the second level, we went to buy tickets to take the elevator to the very top (there aren't stairs). However, it turns out they were having technical problems with the elevator, and it would take about an hour for it to be up and running (if that). We decided it wasnt worth waiting for, the second level was high enough, so we took the stairs down and called it a day. Kristin and I headed back to her house, with in walking distance from the Eiffel Tower, to spend some time looking at weekends for travel. Unfortunately, we didnt get very far, as for the places we want to visit we are staying with friends, so we have to wait for them to tell us when a good time to visit is. It was still exciting looking at all the different places, I cant wait to travel around, if only it weren't so expensive! Afterwards, I headed home for dinner with my host mom, and afterwards met up with another group of friends at Bastille's Pub for some drinks. It was a good time-the Bastille area is the place to go at night, where french people actually hang out as opposed to the more touristy areas of the Latin Quarter and such. So yeah, we went to a couple bars, wandered around a bit, got some food, and headed home early enough to take the metro (which stops running at 2am on the weekends); it was a really fun night.
Yesterday there was a huge Techno parade in Paris, in the Bastille area. Sweet Briar organized a fun dance class for us to learn Tektonik, this new dance thats really popular in France and apparently in Belgium. The class was intense, we all looked like idiots trying to mimic this really good techno dancer, but it was a good time as we all looked rediculous together. Afterwards, Axel (a worker for Sweet Briar, in his 20s, very attractive, organizes excursions) led us over to the Parade, which was absolutely INSANE. This huge road leading to the Bastille was comletely blocked off for the parade, and it was full of people drinking and dressed up crazily for the parade. We all walked down to meet up with the parade, which was slowly making its way to the Bastille. It consisted of huge buses blasting techno songs, with people dancing on top, and then huge crowds of people following behind each bus dancing and celebrating. After watching a few buses pass, Axel led us into the parade, and we joined in dancing and having a good time. It was definitely an experience, there were people everywhere, climbing up lamp posts and signs, on top of bus stop stations, everywhere. By the end, we were pretty exhausted, so Kristin and I headed over to the metro to meet up with friends in front of the Louvre. We sat and caught our breath for a while as people arrived, and then those of us who dont get dinner at home on saturday headed over to Saint Michel to find a place to eat. After a delicious dinner we decided to head over to an area around Notre Dame, to find what is supposed to be the best ice cream ever (the brand starts with a B, now im forgetting what its called...) It was a bit of a walk to the ice cream place, so we got to see Notre Dame and the Seine area at night, it was gorgeous, with lots of people, lights, music, etc. Eventually, we got to the area with the ice cream, but after asking around we found out the store was closed (it was already after 9 by this point), but that there was another amazing ice cream place nearby. We found it easily, and all agreed it was the best ice cream ever! Afterwards, we headed back in the direction of the metro we came out of, and checked out the famous bookstore called Shakespeare and Company. We then walked around a bit more, and decided to head back as it was getting late and we were all pretty tired. Another great night in this amazing city.
Today, I need to go run some errands to get ready for travelling and the start of classes, ack! It is also the day of Patrimonie, which means a lot of buildings are open to the public that would normally be closed off. So off I go!
Much love,
Brit