Disclaimer: The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflet any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.

To those of you who are regulars of my online journal, I apologize for

the abrupt discontinuation. I recently received an anonymous comment

to one of my posts that was very hurtful, hateful, and inaccurate, an

anonymous person's attempt to explain their point of view in a nasty

way. It was clear this person has not lived in China before and does

not know what we do on a day to day basis, the struggles we face, the

things we overcome, and the strength we have, not only from our past

experiences that have gotten us this far, but also the strength we

gain from our students, the friends we make who become like family,

and the culture in general. Just because I chose not to write about

all of the difficulties I have faced since being here does not mean

they don't exist. I may have more free time than I did in the states,

but it fills with long walks meeting new shopkeepers, keeping in touch

with my favorite restaurant owner, learning Chinese and using it

often, learning new things about China and myself, and yes, an

occasional DVD. This all being said, I have decided to discontinue my

online journal in China so as to avoid further misunderstandings from

persons who have chosen to cowardly remain unidentified. From now on I

will be sending email updates. Should you read the journal often and

wish to be included on these email updates, please let me know. If you

do not know my email address you may leave a comment with your name

and your email address. I will ensure you get added, providing your

intentions are pure of heart.

Happy 21st Birthday Annapooka!!!! How does it feel?

Don't think I forgot, I was thinking about you on your day, I promise!

So, this might be a bit summed up, etc, but Ive got 1 hour left on my account, so I gotta go quickly.

Ive been on vacation the past 10 days, but first I'll catch up on Paris from my last entry.

I took exams, yikes. I dont get my results until mid january, hopefully Ill get my certificate and all will be well. Well see. After exams I had free time to go to the museums I either hadnt been to ever, or in the past 3 years. I saw Rodin, the Orsay, the Picasso, the Cluny--this one had the lady and unicorn tapestries that were absolutely breathtaking, and last, but certainly not least Ginny and I went to see the sewers of Paris. It was a working museum and well it smelled like, well, exactly what it was. You fill in the blank. However, it was quite interesting as well. I also visited the Grande Arche de la Défense, a modern day arc de triomphe, and also the Science museum, Porte de la Vilette...Ginny and I spent the day there and enjoyed being little kids again.

I also spent my time saying goodbye to people, by the time Ginny and I left for vacation we both were depressed from having everyone leaving. Of course, it didn't last long on vacation, but still. I said goodbye to choir friends, found out my Jeff Goldblum look alike's name was Pierre...hahaha another one pook! However, it also dawned on me that he was quite possibly gay, but loved him just the same!

Okay, our trip.

We left the 11th and took the night train to Munich, Germany. We saw Frauenkirche... basically a church of our lady like Notre Dame, the Deutches museum, the BMW museum...saw the James bond car, the Neue Pinakathek, which had Van Gogh's sunflowers, among many other things, the Glockenspiel clock, walked through a Christmas market and drank some hot liquor of some sort... it was WAY strong, but it warmed us up real fast. We also took a couple mini trips outside of the city and saw Dachau one day, and Fussen another. Dachau, if youre not familiar is one of the main concentration camps that was used in Nazi Germany during the holocaust. It was so, so emotional to be there. It was just incredibly a sad time of our trip, but also interesting and neither of us regretted going. Fussen is a town about 2 hours southwest of Munich where King Ludwig built some pretty impressive castles. Because we were poor we could only tour one of them, the Neuschwanstein. It was incredibly, we felt like princesses in disneyland, that castle is the one Cinderellas castle was based on in the Magic Kingdom, so you can imagine how awesome it was. We also tried to take a brewery tour, but they aparently don't do them anymore, it was sad.

On the 15th we took the train to Geneva, Switzerland. There wasnt a whole lot to do there, but it was still absolutely a beautiful place. We saw the Alps, and Mont Blanc (the tallest mountain in Europe), lake Geneva, we saw the Jet D'eau... a 140 meter fountain of water shooting straight into the air, we went to the Palais des Nations, where the United nations meet...this was incredibly interesting except for the tour group we were with were incredibly rude, going up on the presidential podiums when asked not to, taking pictures after being asked not to, etc, it was kind of ridiculous, the poor woman giving the tour was just about going crazy. We also saw the art and history museum, an incredibly random collection of stuff, but still good. Lastly we saw the Cathedral St. Pierre where John Calvin preached during the reformation.

The 17th we left for Barcelona, Spain. We saw the Pyrenees on the way. We also met Jane on the way there. Jane was a British woman who had spent too much time in the train dining car, not dining, but drinking, like a fish. Her husband, who is Scottish, aparently wears a kilt. We got out of the train station with her and she started speaking to this cab driver in really poor spanish. She offered us a ride to where we were going. We stupidly accepted. The ride to our hostel was interesting, Jane, Ginny, and me in the back seat of a cab. Jane, still speaking poor spanish, the cab driver mocking her, Ginny and me giving each other weird looks and whispering about what the hell we were thinking. We got dropped off about two blocks from the hostel and the cab driver gave us directions. Jane paid for the cab, and gave us her number in case we needed anything. She walked with us for a little bit and then bid us fairwell, kissing us both. It was so weird, but a story for sure.

While in Barcelona we saw La SAgrada Familia, Gaudi's life work that wasn't finished by his death in 1926, they've been working on it ever since and it's still not done, but beautiful it will be when finished. Oh, it's a church. We also climbed to the top of one of the towers for a great view of the city. We also went to Parc Guell, where Gaudi's house was and much of his famous mosaic stuff. We took so many pictures, it was fantastic. We ate Paella one night...delicious, and got free pasta another, all you had to do was buy a drink, it was great. After our Paella we were eating desert at a little table on the street when a scary homeless man came up to us, clearly asking for money. We had just watched him follow a couple halfway down the street so we did what we normally do in Paris when this happens, ignore them. He spit on us, and walked away. It reminded me of my moms cherry pit story. Ive never felt so angry, violated and disgusting all at the same time. We were completely speechless. We threw away our deserts and went back to our hostel.

Also in Spain we went to the Picasso museum..much of his earlier work, WAY different, saw the cascada..a fountain in a parc, played in the Meditteranean Sea in the Middle of december, and went to the Cathedral Barri Gothic in the Gothic Quarter. We left Spain last night, but barely. When we bought our tickets 5 weeks ago, France sold us tickets to a place the train doesn't go, so we freaked out quite a bit, went to information and they thankfully were incredibly nice. They got us other tickets to a different destination for free so that we could catch the night train from there into Paris. It all wouldnt have been that big of a deal, but Ginny had to catch her plane home today at 230. Thank goodness for nice spaniards!

That was the end of our trip, we said goodbye sadly today at the metro station after getting into paris. One of my last goodbye's. Today I went up the Eiffel Tower and said goodbye to the city, tonight I will go out to dinner with Romain, Pauline, and some of Romain's friends and say goodbye to them. Tomorrow I will say goodbye to Madame, and say hello to an old, maybe a new ordinary. It's so hard to believe I'm actually leaving. Im really going to miss Paris, and almost everything that goes along with it, so forgive me when I'm missing it when I come home. I wont miss always watching where I walk all the time so as to avoid the little gifts the teeny tiny dogs have left behind. I wont miss everybody smoking everywhere. But I will miss Madame singing along to the television. I will miss eating cake for breakfast. I will miss seeing the top of the Eiffel Tower as I promenade through the Luxemburg gardens on the way to class. I will miss Eloisas complaining about anything and everything. I will miss Romain's stories, and his *American* accent, and his hands. I will miss Ginny and my inside jokes, our laughs, our travel stories. I'll miss the apartement with the tiny kitchen, gas stove, and my little mug with the two swans on it, and my bedroom with the french doors with curtains with multi-colored tulips on them. And my window that looks across to the new mysterious neighbor, who has now been there for two months, but Madame and I still find pleasure in spying on him, wondering out loud what his life must really be like. Ill miss the french, the language, the history, the people. Ill miss how its not very often during the day wehn someone will tell me Bonjour on the streets, but once the night falls anybody and everyone will say Bonsoir. I will miss thekissing to say hello and goodbye to friends and family, the quick pecks on either cheek always made me feel loved. I will miss Paris.

*yeah, you better get on that

mot

mot a ta mère

Je pense que vous savez pourquoi

mais oui!

mais non!

mais oui!

vraiment?!

mais oui!

bien sur!

and we thought to ourselves, should we ask that ocuple or that prostitute?

Why dont you go find a bathroom?

Tu est le chef

Crypta BAlbiiiiii

Fart Bubbles

Oh you mean trousers?

No, really, whats a trouser?

I want to sortir avec the canadians

honeymoon

ca makes sense, ou ca ne make pas de sense?

did he enjoy your baggage?

Scusi, J'ai le german measles

The cats remind me of wild children

you smoked the HOOKAH?

my legs feel like jelly

Qu'est ce que tu as contre le 's'?

Ha Bagagli?

What's he gonna say? you suck?

yeah....about that...

Dont worry, Kaytes fluent...

RUINS!!!

A WHAT?!?! oh, a quarter pounder..

Bien sur que je crois en sorcieres

you mean they were alive when I ate them?

You look REALLY good for 40

I'm not really 40

okay, il est marié, c'est votre vie

euh...

Je suis vraiment ivre

Age doesn't matter

Vous etes triste? Vous avez besoin un petit bon bon magique?

Coupez les!

Cest formi, formi, formidable!

He looks FANCY

At the risk of making a fool out of myself, what would you do if I kissed you right now?

Ca depends des Paul

The man cant even talk!!!

euh...je ne suis pas d'accord avec Varda

Il faut COMPRENDRE

If you just keep saying it...

My name is Peter, I am french, I speak with a french accent...

There's my parallelism, I'll explain later if you like.

Really, even though I'm sad to leave Paris, I can't wait to come home and see all of you! Have a great holiday and I'll see you all soon! LOTS OF LOVE

Happy Birthday Matt and DJ! 22 guys...crazy stuff!

This week is going to be absolutely painful. Tests starting tomorrow, then thurs, fri, sat, and next mon. I didn't get much studying done last week because of family, but it was a worth sacrifice.

So, mère and Ann came, we had a good week. They actually fit A LOT into the short amount of time that they had here. Lots of museums, monuments etc. We went to the Musée Marmottan, Monet's museum. I had been there, but I wanted to be with them, and see their reactions to the bottom floor of the museum. It's a good part of Monet's large works from Giverny, etc. They are huge and they're all just beautiful. One could easily spend an entire afternoon just staring into the colors. My favorite piece is also there, one from the Weeping Willow series. The colors are out of this world. Monet's palate was also on display.

We went on a boat ride, to the Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie (where Marie Antoinette spent her last months before being taken to the Place de la Concorde to be beheaded), Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, they went up the Eiffel Tour, Fontainebleau (a town and castle about 50 minutes outside of Paris that was gorgeous!) etc etc. I think they had a great time. I hope so anyway. I was trying to be a tour guide and double as a student. It was somewhat hard with all my exams being this week, but I did my best.

Thursday night was probably my favorite night that they were here. They got introduced to my ordinary here in Paris. They came over and saw where I lived, met Madame, Romain, and Pauline. Madame made a chocolate cake and served tea. Romain, obviously dressed for the occasion, was charming, telling stories and speaking in his American accent, making making even my mother and sister fall for him a little. Perhaps that night I fell a little too. Mère and Ann brought presents for all which were incredibly well received and completely unexpected. For Madame there were slippers, potholders, hangers, etc, compliments of my wonderful and talented grandmother. Madame also got a can-opener because hers is quite old and out of date. Pauline got slippers and caramels, compliments of Jenise and Margaret, also a talent. Pauline especially enjoyed eating only after completely stretching them out with her fingers. For Romain there were slippers, a hat, spaghettios and peanut butter. The spaghettios because when we talk about food, which is often, I mentioned them. He was interested so I asked mère to bring some. He hasn't tried them yet. The peanut butter was envied by Pauline, but Romain hid it and insisted it was *just for guys.* Looking around the table Madame and Pauline speaking only french, mère and Ann speaking almost only English and Romain and I translating made me realize that I had been invited into Madame, Pauline, and Romain's ordinary, and we had invited my mom and Anna, into ours. It was a great night.

It's hard to believe I'll be home in less than 3 weeks. I think the time has gone too fast. At the same time it will be good to return and get used to yet another ordinary. I often wonder what you all will think of me when I get back. I don't really know if my fear is that you will think that I have changed so much, or if the fear is really that I am exactly the same.

Love you all and I'll see you soon!

So, my life in a nutshell. Well, maybe not a nutshell, it's kinda small...

Last Sunday was so great and I didn't even leave the apartment. I woke up, and drank a before food drink with Madame and her friends Janine and Antoinette. They invited me to eat with them, but I thought they should have their time to chat so I ate and went to do some studying. They invited me back for chocolate cake and we ended up talking all afternoon, for 4 hours. I learned so much about their generation, what was expected of them, how they had to act or not act, etc. We talked about my life, and theirs. We also talked about modern day topics. It was so great. They both kissed me twice before they left and said they had enjoyed my company. I don't think I'm ever going to forget that day.

On Monday night I went to Shakespeare and Co., a world famous english bookstore in the Latin Quarter. I read in my tourist book that there was a poetry reading there every monday night so I thought I'd check it out. It was really great except for the fact that some creepy weird old guy started talking to me and followed me inside. I did my best to ignore him and he eventually left.

The other morning Madame was so cute. The appliance guy was coming to check everything and I hadn't eaten breakfast yet so she brought me my breakfast to my room, bread, jam, tea, and the rest of the chocolate cake from her party. Even though many things weren't included in the original deal she really finds little ways to take care of me. It's really cute. Like this little cake thing she gave me yesterday, she said they were expensive, and I heard her tell her friend they were 6 for about 25 Euros. Really, it was like a little piece of heaven in my mouth, so I felt honored to have gotten one. Later, she gave me another one! Probably not good considering there's already more of me to love, but ah well, you only live once!

I can't believe I have exams in less than 2 weeks. I'm nervous, especially for my conférences, more specifically literature. She doesn't explain anything and she drives me nuts. I spent a good part of the past weekend studying, that's so sad.

Still seeing Romain, less now because he started his journalism classes, but about 2 times a week. He makes me laugh so hard when he goes into these long made-up stories about him writing a famous book or being on Larry King Live, speaking in his Texas accent.

Choir is going well, I won't be singing in the concert because I'll be travelling, but I'm really glad I got to sing over here anyway. I've met some great people and sang some great music. And I got to look at Phillippe every week. Not to be confused, with Pierre, the actually director who gets paid the big bucks, he's quite frankly a tool and drives me nuts. Phillippe is the guy who works with us for 2.5 hours before Pierre comes, and I have a little crush on him. I'll admit it.

Travelling plans are set. Ginny and I went and bought our train tickets last wednesday. We decided to take the train everywhere, it's less expensive. We scratched the Spain/Portugal idea. We are now going from Paris to Munich, Germany, staying there for 3 nights, then from Munich to Geneva, Switzerland, staying there for 2 nights, and lastly from Geneva to Barcelona, Spain for another 3 nights. We leave the night of Dec. 11th and return the morning of Dec. 21st. We have arranged our hostels and now have places to stay, we actually got really good deals and are only paying approximately 150 dollars for all 8 nights, each person of course. Munich is where we got the best deal: a bed, an all you can eat breakfast and a beer at the bar each night, for 15 Euros a night! Woohoo!

So, wanna hear a funny story? Good. Yesterday I'm in the bathroom, (don't worry) and I hear a pigeon in the teeny tiny window. I go to the kitchen to look and it flies away. I tell Madame, she said there was one in her bedroom the other day. She said it was like Hitchcock and then knocked on the bathroom door before she entered the next time. It was hilarious. I don't know, maybe you had to be there...

I went to the Salvador Dali museum on Saturday and it was incredibly! I had no idea that he did all that, his fascination with Alice and Wonderland, Tristan and Yseut, Pantagruel and Gargantua. On top of all that his interest in time, how it passes, how it never stops, etc. It was incredibly interesting and when I left I had a new appreciation for the crazy moustached surrealist artist.

So I have been writing a lot since I came to Paris. I've been keeping 3 different journals, and have been writing my auto-biography on top of that. I really think that I would like to try and publish something. I guess Paris just got my creative juices flowing. Maybe what I'm writing is crap, and poorly written, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I can't believe I have less than I a month left. It's just gone so fast, and I don't think it's slowing down, in fact, I'm sure of it. It kind of scares me, but at the same time I am quite content to see everyone again.

Mère and Ann come today! I get to see them in just about 3-ish hours! Hip hip...?

Love you all so much

I didn't want to leave. Italy was absolutely a dream, I loved the language, the history, the culture, everything. I didn't want to leave, come back to Paris. I think I sound like a snob when I say this, but it's true. I think I'll have to study there in my next life. I also really enjoyed it because even though it was a tourist city it didn't feel that way. Anyways, here's how it went.

Day 1

We, my friends Ginny, Helen, and I, all arose at 5 am. We all caught the 1st metro at 530. We met at Notre Dame and took the train out to the airport. We arrived in London at 1030, took a bus to one of the other airports in London. We ate, and hung around, almost missing our flight to Rome, but we didn't, so it's all good. Arrive in Rome, find our hostel, (which by the way was FANTASTIC, our own room, private bath, breakfast included for a mere 20 euros a night) go out to eat, plan our next day, and crash.

Day 2

Take one of Rome's 2 metro lines to the Colosseum, wow, we all actually realize we are in Italy. Next we go to the Roman Forum, basically a lot of ruins, but very impressive. It was hard to believe that the whole forum had been buried up until about 260 years ago. We took a free tour and saw Julius Caesar's temple, the temple of the vestal virgins, and a pagan temple. The thing that was especially interesting about it was that there was a Christian Church inside of it. When Christianity became more popular they wanted to tear down the pagan temple, and they tried, we could see where they took chains to the columns to pull them down, they wouldn't come down, so they took it as a sign and built the christian church inside. After the forum we went to the prison where St Peter was supposedly incarcerated. Last for this day was the Palatine, yes, more ruins. This was cool though because they were ruins of the upper class houses.

Day 3

Walked by the Circus Maximus, the very old race track. Really, there was nothing to see there, but it was interesting anyway. Then we went to the Bocca della Verita (If you've seen Roman Holiday, or Only You, the movies, you know what this is). It's this huge mouth mounted on a wall, and you stick your hand in it. If you tell it a lie it supposedly chops your hand off. Luckily, I still have both hands. Next we went to the Piazza Navona and saw 3 of Bernini's famous fountains, they were quite impressive. After lunch we went to the Pantheon, this was not very interesting at all, sadly. I found the temporary art exhibition inside more impressive than the rest of the building. So, moving on, we went to Trevi fountain, and threw our coins over our shoulders, one to ensure our return to Rome, one to grant our wish, and one to marry an Italian, or maybe it was be married within a year, I don't remember, but we wished nonetheless. Our last adventure of the day was the Spanish steps. We went and sat on them, took pictures and pondered why they are called the Spanish steps when they were built with French money, and lead to a french church. Oh well.

Day 4

Sunday, we went to some churches, Santa Maria Maggiore, and one other, listened to parts of masses, the church music was actually really great, it set the mood. In the afternoon we went to Terme di Caracalla, more ruins, this time of Roman baths, as well as the oldest church in Rome. We stopped and looked at some more ruins and watched the cats for a little while. There are cats all over Rome, I don't know where they come from, but they're everywhere. It was very interesting. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, warm, sunny, it was just perfect. Later we went back to Trevi fountain for the view of it all lit up at night. En route we saw the moon. I don't think it's ever been more beautiful. We turned the corner and there it was, in between two older buildings, full, perfect. Italian was being spoken all around, with an accordian player serenading the crowds. I think that might have been my favorite moment in Italy.

Day 5

The day Rome decided to go on Strike, well at least all transportation, the metro, as well as the bus systems. We didn't find out it was a strike until later, so we waited for quite some time before deciding to walk to Vatican City. It wasn't that bad. Got there and ate lunch, went to the Sistine Chapel, it was closed, I really thought we were all going to cry. We then went to St. Peter's Basilica, saw where he was buried, and then climbed to the very top. The view was incredible, all of Vatican City, parts of Rome, wow. Took a bus back to the hostel, got ready, and went out to dinner and out out for Ginny's 21st b-day. It was Helen, Ginny, me, and then Jeff, one of the guys that worked at the hostel. Helen just randomnly asked him to come with us and he agreed. He was actually a lot of fun. We got back around 6, caught 3 hours of sleep, got up and kept going.

Day 6

Our last day, even though we were extremely exhausted we got up, and went to the Sistine Chapel and saw Michaelangelo's wonders. It was amazing. I just didn't expect it to be that breathtaking. We saw The Last Judgement, as well as the famous hands, I don't remember what that was called, but it was great anyway. We ate some lunch and waited for our bus to take us back to the airport. Took the plane to London, got into one London airport at 930, took a bus to another London airport at 1230, rested on a cold floor until 430, checked in and flew to Paris at 545. Took the train into Paris, the metro to our houses, and I slept until my class. It was a long night to say the least. We were already to die by the time we got into Paris, but it was worth it, the trip was excellent.

Overall, we had so much fun, I laughed more than I have the whole time in Paris I think. Rome was beautiful, the weather was great, everything. We had a couple small bumps with the Sistine Chapel being closed, almost missing our flight, and Helen was a little stubborn, but it all worked out. We still managed to make a great trip.

When I was conscious again and was telling Madame about my trip she had some things to tell me too, about when I was gone. She said that Karim called, weird no? It's been 2 months, you'd think he'd get the picture, oh well. Also, she told me that her *friend* came over, and they were discussing if they should continue seeing each other. Apparently the problem is that he's married with 3 children. It just keeps getting stranger. I don't know what to say when she tells me these things. She said that the British girl that stayed with her gave her opinions about how morally wrong it was and how much she hated that, so I just say that it's her life, she has to decide what to do with it. It's interesting, that's for sure.

Well, things are still going well with classes and such, only 3 more weeks. It's crazy. Ginny and I are busy planning our next adventures, this time just the two of us. We're thinking about doing a whirlwind tour of 3 or 4 countries after our exams are done, but we'll see. Mère and Ann are coming in 9 days! Things are really looking up, I don't know if I'm going to be ready to come home though. At the same time sometimes I think that if I go another minute without seeing some of you I'll go crazy.

I hope all is well.

XO

Wow, yesterday was the first day I think I really realized that holy crap, I'm living in Paris, FRANCE. I was on my way to class, and it just kind of occured to me, snuck up on me, didn't expect it, but there it was. I'm really here. Huh.

Okay, where to start, that is the real question...

I have been in a great mood since my last post, all is well, the hump is over. I met Jenni in the middle of the ocean, and life looked up.

I think Madame might be losing it a little bit, not really, but sometimes I really worry about her, especially one night last week. We were watching a movie, and she wanted to call her granddaughter to tell her about the film. She was literally dialing the tv changer and trying to change the channel with the telephone. It was actually hilarious and we both laughed when she realized what was going on. Overall, things are going well in the apartement.

Like forementioned in my last post I said Pauline, Romain's sister, was coming over, to do my nails. She was very professional, and we had a lot of fun. Romain took a picture, so you can all see when I get home-- my real french manicure.

So, I've come to terms with it, I've learned to accept it. I was listening to *Rob's best of Chicago* the other night and I realized that Chicago is quite possibly the best band EVER. ABBA is a close second.

Romain is good, he's odd, but he's good. The other day he was telling me that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is very different from the normal European mindset of lunch being the most important. I asked him what he eats and he said he eats cereal with hot tea on it instead of milk. SICK. He was sad to hear that my mom had heard of it before. He thought he had invented it. Poor guy. He has also taken a liking to speaking like Larry King, or what he thinks Larry King sounds like, which usually comes out as a really funny Texas accent, but hey, whatever makes him happy.

I was lunching with my friend Ed, the Brit, the other day. He's an attorney in London and owns his own apartment that has a view of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge (my favorite bridge ever). He said that anytime I want to come to England I can stay there, he'll give me a key and I can come and go as I please. And if I'm travelling with someone else they can stay there too. So, if anybody wants to go with me someday, we can stay for free. :) I don't know, it excited me.

This weekend was really great. Friday, Halloween, boo. I went out with my friend Camillo, his friend Laura, and his roommate Phillippe. We waited in line for a club, but figured we wouldn't get in by 1:00, yes, the line was that long, we decided to go to a chichas Egyptian bar and smoke instead. Don't worry, it's legal. We walked in, sat down, picked our flavor, caramel, and were given this huge water bong type thing. It was a definite experience, and we had a lot of fun. The best part was that we spoke in french all night long, 2 South Americans, a German man, and me.

Saturday was all Saint's Day, *a day for visiting cemeteries* is what I read, so I went to the Montparnasse Cemetery. It was interesting. There were a lot of people there, some were visiting famous writers and artists such as Simone de Beauvoir, or Eugène Ionesco, some were watering the flowers of and visiting their loved ones, me, I was just visiting. I walked by a grave of 3 girls, one less than 10 years old, one less than 1 year old, and one less than 1 month old. They were all of the same family, but died on different days. I didn't understand. I started crying and thought of Michaela.

Sunday was busy. I went to the Louvre, well, the Carrousel of the Louvre, and went to the Salon du Chocolat that was there for the weekend. Basically, it was where all these chocolateries from all over come and show their stuff. The aroma in the area was delicious. There was every kind of chocolate imaginable, in every form imaginable. I even bought chocolate beer. I haven't tasted it yet, I'll let you know. There were demonstrations, conferences, famous art pieces from the louvre, all edible, chocolate wedding dresses (that could be interesting), etc. If you think of it, chances are they had it in chocolate, dark, milk, and white. It was incredible. Pook, you would have loved it more than life. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had other plans...

I went to the BNP Paribas Masters aka the Paris Tennis Open! I can't even describe how excited I was to be there. No, my boyfriend André wasn't playing, but still. It was the final day, so I got to see the best of the best, and for that day the singles match was Andrei PAVEL from Romania vs. Tim HENMAN of England. The Brit prevailed. I don't think I've ever been so stressed out as I was at the end of the 2nd and 3rd sets, both tie-breakers. It's two days later and I'm still tense. I didn't want it to end. After singles was the doubles match, Australia vs. France. Much to the French audience's dismany the Aussie's took it. Not as exciting as the singles, but still interesting.

Sunday was great--Tennis and chocolate, seriously, who could ask for more?

Rome in two days...well, not even, I'm so excited.

I'll leave you with song lyrics I can't seem to get out of my head, compliments of Mr. David Gray

*The trick ain't worth the time it byes

I'm sick of hearing my own lies

and Love's a raven when it flies...

Meet me on the other side

I'll meet you on the other side*

Have a good week everyone!! Miss you and love you!

Hello again.

This past week and a half has been something, really something, basically because it has been nothing. Not really nothing, but not really something.

So I started the week by going to a bar with my friend Ginny. Another friend, Lissie, was singing and playing guitar. I felt so at home, it was like being at New Moon again, only with beer, and cigarette smoke, oh yeah, and it was in a cave under another bar, but still, just like New Moon. Lissie was absolutely amazing, she sang with so much soul. I still would love to do that, I think I could write the lyrics, and sing it, but playing guitar and memorizing might be a different story. Well see.

Saw Romain a couple times, when he tries to speak in an american accent it cracks me up so much he stops. He wants to be a journalist on TV, so he always says *over to you Jerry.* Its hilarious.

Madame is getting stranger and stranger. She bought this jacket for 255 Euros, not anything special, I think mine was better for 80, but whatever. The next day she decides she doesnt like it and returns it, but cant get her money back, can only get store credit. She buys a little sweater set for the same price. I dont know, I just cant imagine spending that much on either of the forementioned. T

The other night we were watching a movie with Johnny Depp, who she loves, and one of the characters appeared to be on some sort of halluconogenic (is that the word?) mushrooms. Madame comments on it and says shed like to try them someday. Huh. Then yesterday we were talking about dating after divorce and she says that when her husband first left her she used to do the newspaper answering ads dating thing. Shed talk to the guy and tell him to meet her somewhere, say she was wearing a red scarf, instead wear a blue one and check him out first. If she didnt like what she saw shed stand them up! I think thats just sad.

On the other hand, were still having really good conversations and my french improves with every one. This week we talked about abortion and feminism, and then her education. She only had 5 years because her family lived through WWII in Normandie. Her grandmothers house was completely burned and was homeless for a good part of and after the war. Its amazing the stories she has to tell.

I talked to Amy...yay!

It was Kristins 22nd birthday on Saturday, I hope she had a good time celebrating in Africa, shes there studying this semester.

Mères birthday is tomorrow! Bonne Anniversaire!

The other day when I got home from class Madame had a friend over, no no no, not THAT friend, a different one. I poked my head in to see if I could use the phone quick and met the woman. She said *Vous etes belle!* (you are beautiful) She said it was natural and that she wouldnt have said it if it wasnt true. For some reason, for the split second that this 91 year old woman (this I found out later) told me this, I believed her, it was strange.

So the past week yes, I admit has been somewhat bumpy for me. I think its because Im at the middle of my time here, class is less than admirable, and Im just kind of down and out. I think the things that really get to me are missing all of you, of course, and class. I know for a fact that I study more than the majority of the people in my class, and I did horrible on the last test. Its very frustrating, and it makes me nervous about the final test I have at the beginning of december. The grade in the classroom counts for 30%, and the test for 70%. Im sure its going to be fine, but for now its a bit of a hassle in my head.

However, I do have things I am very much looking forward to in the next month or so, it makes me think that November is going to fly by. I am going to the Paris Tennis Open next Sunday for the Finals! I have no idea what players are even coming to the open and therefore dont know whos going to be in the finals, but I dont care, its going to be great!

I also am looking forward to a 4 day weekend we have coming up, for some holiday here. Two friends and I are turning it into a 6 day weekend and going to Rome! (November 6-12) So my goal will be complete. When I first came to Paris, wanting to travel, I wanted to go to Italy, so here I go. For those of you who have been to Rome I would love your input on what is must-see.

Tonight I am looking forward to Pauline, Madames granddaughter (16) and Romains sister, coming over and doing my nails. Its silly, I know, especially for me, but she got a job and wants to practice.

Lastly, I am looking forward to my dear mère and Ann coming at the end of November, hopefully we can get the hotel situation figured out. :)

Im excited, because I just found the apostrophe, at the end of my entry, 2 months later.

I love you and miss you from here till infinity!

Id like to start out with a little bit of crappy poetry.

Im so glad I finally found you

I havent seen you for 2 months

but now youre back in my life

right where you belong.

When I saw you in the store,

I knew I had to take you home,

and I feel complete again.

Thats just a little ode to Pepsi Max, aka Diet Pepsi, I finally found it in the store yesterday!

Okay okay, real stuff. For all of yous that are wondering, which I know mother and Jenni are, nothing is up, or down for that matter with Romain. Hes a friend, a cool french friend. I do love his hands though, Ill give him that.

Madame had been somewhat making me crazy last week, but all is better now. She had this big dinner party on thursday night, and all week long she was complaining about the party, and the food, and her being sick. I dont think anybody was happier than I was when the party was over. Plus I get to eat the left-overs. The cheese, the bread, she even made me eat chocolate cake for breakfast, I wasnt going to argue. Its all good now though, Friday night we ate together and had really great conversation, about everything, about life, about happiness, about family, about dreams, about goals, and lastly about the other students that lived there before me. My french came easily, and was a lot of fun.

So Ive been getting to know this girl Ginny, in my class. Shes a lot of fun, from Georgia. We went to the Panthéon last week. This building used to be a church, built by Souffelot, and the crypt is where many famous French people are buried. We saw Louis Braille, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, Emile Zola and many others. For some reason though, it creeped me out more than the catacombs.

This week I talked to Tim, Matt, Mère and Ann. Cassie, Tim is a very close second to your enthusiasm.

As far as calling me is concerned, heres a little info. My mom said that if you want to call me you should go on www.google.com, type in 10-10, and search. Youll find all kinds of ways to call over hear, usually for cheap. I think she paid like 76 cents for a 10 or 15 minute conversation. If and when you call, I never answer the phone, so you have to speak a little french, I promise, its not that difficult. Heres a crash course.

Madame says: Allo?

and you say: Katherine Sil vous plait (Ka-treen see voo play)

There you go, simple enough right? Its easier if I know when youre calling so you dont have to know any other french. If you plan on otherwise, let me know and Ill teach you some more. :)

Classes are going pretty well. Im really enjoying my art class and Versailles class. Art is especially interesting because were getting more into the paintings, many of which I studied my senior year of high school, its fun to know the titles and artists before she says them.

This weekend was a lot of fun. When I got up on saturday Madames living room had been transformed into a professional photo shoot, for a friend of hers. Her son, Pascal, was taking pictures of her friend for the theatre. It was pretty interesting.

Saturday afternoon I went to the Hotel des Invalides, and saw Napoleans tomb. It was enormous for such a little guy.

Saturday night I went to a pub with some friends. We had a lot of fun, met some Canadians (yay!) and went with them to a Canadian bar where we watched a life spot of the hockey game at 1 in the morning. I was told to root for the leafs, and they won!! My friends from school left before the game was over, but I was having such a good time I stayed with the Canadians; Will, Eric, and Jason, and one of the guys from the Sorbonne, Hans, until the end of the game. I took a taxi home and called it a night at about 430.

Sunday I got up and met 2 of the 3 Canadians, Hans, Eloisa, and my friend Michelle at a metro station and we went to Versailles for the day. Ive been there, but Madame Seyler was right, it really is beautiful this time of year, even if it was kind of a gloomy day. We walked through the gardens and saw the grand apartments.It was neat to go there with intelligence because of my class. We walked through the town of Versailles for a little while and went back to Paris. It was so nice to be out of Paris for a day, it was just getting to be too much. I needed a little break from the big city.

Since Ive gotten here Ive noticed that all of my senses are very much more alert.

I see people in the streets, some are in love, some are in need and some are just there. I see great monuments and history, and beauty, I see all of you inside my head. I saw a mouse in the metro.

I taste cheese, and bread, and wine, and crèpes, and cigarette smoke. I dont smoke, but I think Ive taken in a pack a day on average second hand, especially with the guy next to me right now, its driving me nuts.

I smell flowers at the flower shop around the corner. I smell people and pee in the metro. I smell pollution everywhere. I smell nothing right now because I have a cold and am miserable. I think it might be better without the pollution, but I miss the flowers.

I hear every language. I hear the music in my headphones. I hear the hot water heater igniting...whoosh! this may be my favorite sound. I hear the drops of water in the bathtop when I raise my feet. I hear the voices of the people I love on the telephone. I hear Paris.

I touch, not much. I miss hugging my friends and family when I see them. I feel like I havent really touched anyone in 2 months and it makes me sad.

I love you and all miss you much!

Personal Things

1. Name: Katherine Renée Kaminski

2. Nicknames: Kayte, Katerbaters, Kateza

3. Birthday: June 10th, 1982

4. Email: lunark8@hotmail.com, mezzok8@hotmail.com, kamink82@uwosh.edu

5. AIM screenname(s): skipperjbk8

6. Hobbies: Tennis, not here though, sadly, watching movies, homework..sad huh?, listening to music, wandering aimlessly, writing

School

1. What school are you going to: University of Paris-Sorbonne

2. Major(s): French

3. Minor(s): Music

4. Year: Senior

5. Estimated gradution: May 2004, man I hope so

Favorites

1. Food: Rice, Pasta

2. Song: Not a Pretty Girl... Ani D, Simple Together... Alanis, at the moment, a Dar CD

3. Past time: being surrounded by people I love, my beautiful people

4. Sport to watch: Tennis, Rugby recently

5. Sport to play: Tennis

6. Vacation Spot: Anywhere Ive never been to

Love Life

1. Have a significant other: No

2. Seeing anyone: I see a lot of a lot of people

3. Their name: Cant list them all

4. How long have you been seeing them: since I got to Paris

5. Best thing about it: Just having someone there to be with

Questions

1. What is the meaning of life? these are tough questions, I have no idea

2. What do you think is more important than anything else? The beautiful people, and being content

3. Where do you wanna live when you get older? somewhere, wherever the wind blows me I guess

4. What do you wanna do when you grow up? I have to grow up? I want to be happy.

5. Why do we do what we do? If its something good its because were smart people, if not its because aliens had taken over our bodies.

6. Do you believe in a higher power? yes

7. Are you a virgin? yes

8. Why do you fill these things out? Boredom, really (word on that one Deej)

The last week has been pretty good, great actually. I am officially done with my phonetics class, now instead of having 18 hours of class a week I have only 13. Im glad its over, but I also kind of miss it, now I dont know what to do with myself with the extra time I have in the day! :) I can also say that I now completely understand stupid french pronouns. It took me a while, but I can confidently say I get it. Whew!

Okay, I suppose I should explain the title. So I was at Romains apartment and it was an english day. We watched CNN, and he recapped afterwards, then did a couple exercises, and then he wanted to work on phonetics. He picked an article to read, something about Bill Murray. When he said something incorrectly I was to correct him. When he came to a word he didnt understand, he asked. All was going fine until the phrase... fart bubbles... came up. I could have died. Of course he didnt understand what this was and asked. I didnt know what to say, but eventually said it was kind of like a burp, only a little different. Seeing me mortified he said he understood. I dont know if he actually did or not. Its a definite (check that mère) possibility that he looked it up later, but oh well.

So I went to choir rehearsal the other night, went really well. Im singing Mozarts Mass in C. Its somewhat simple, but oh well. I really like the people in the choir, the women around me are really nice, and its a great opportunity to speak french. After choir I took the metro home, as usual, and saw quite possibly the worst mullet EVER. It was WAY short in front, and the back was dreadlocks. It looked so creepy, or maybe it was just the guy that was creepy, but whatever. For those of you that dont know what a mullet is its when a persons hair is short in the front and the back is long.

So I havent been sleeping incredibly well here, since I got here actually. I dont really know why. I do think a lot, I suppose that could be part of it, but its somewhat frustrating. This woman in my class recommended drinking red wine before I go to bed. It does the trick!

Friday night I went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. The city at night was just beautiful, more than I imagined, perfect really. The only flaw was the moons absence. It was cloudy. I got to see the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour, and just shimmer. On the way down there was a photography exhibit of images of women in war scenes. It was really moving. There was a great photograph of Joan of Arc returning, some of more recent women in camo helping those at Kosovo, etc, also completely veiled women. It was completely amazing, it made me feel sad, proud, and in awe, all at the same time.

This week I talked to Grandma, Annapooka, and Cassie....Cassie wins the prize for being the most excited. Ive never had anybody get that happy and squeal that much after saying ...its Kayte...made my night. Thanks babe!

Saturday I went and walked around the Marais, a section of Paris. Walked through the Place de Vosges, went and saw Victor Hugos house, or the Maison de Victor Hugo. It was very interesting. Then I walked to the place where the Bastille used to stand, the history was interesting, but not a whole lot to see. The Opera Bastille was cool though. Later that day I walked through the Bois de Boulogne, a HUGE city park. With the leaves turning, and all the people, the ambiance was great.

Romain called me on Saturday morning, and was talking in English, I thought this was strange considering it was a French day. He said he disguised his voice so when his grandma picked up the phone she wouldnt know it was him. It didnt work because she later asked if it was the voice of Romain. Whoops. I feel bad because I see him more than she does, and they live in the same apartment complex. He later showed me his disguised American accent, it was hilarious, and still sounded like him. Saturday night I went over there and we watched an old french film, drank tea, chatted with sister when she got home, watched some MTV and called it a night.

Sunday morning I got up and went to the Crypte Archéologique de Notre Dame. Its underground, in front of the cathedral, and its ruins of buildings that used to stand there, dating from the middle ages to the 1700s. It was actually very interesting to see what it used to be like.

After Notre Dame I was somewhat morbid. I went to the Catacombes. They are 20 meters below street level, about 125 steps worth. I walked along tunnels for 1.8 km. At first I wasnt very impressed, I was expecting to see human bones. Then I got there. Holy crap. I thought there would be bones, but not even an eighth as many as I saw. They were literally lining the walls, from floor to ceiling, neatly stacked, skulls, femurs, arm bones (I dont know what their called...I was never good at that stuff), it was completely unreal. Talk about creepy weird. Just when I thought it was over there was another room full, room after room after room. It said that there were bones of between 5 and 6 million parisians down there. Wow. The worst part was one of the walls had a gate in front of it, bones poking out, way creeped me out. It was also very damp down there, drops would fall on my head, eesh. At the end of the tour a guy actually checked my bag to see if I had taken any bones...SICK! All and all I think its one of the coolest places Ive ever visited. I know, Im weird.

Well, I think thats all for my adventures for now.

PEACE AND LOVE

It is incredibly cold here, it rains all the time, but its really all good. I just need to buy a jacket. However, with all the rain, especially at night, the moon has disappeared. Its really kind of disappointing. Oh well, October is supposed to be the rainiest month, so hopefully it will end with the month.

Fortunately my mood has not been with the weather. My spirits have been up and Im still enjoying myself a lot. Its very strange, the way I am here. Trying to explain it is difficult and maybe you wont understand, but to me it makes sense. Its like I am me, but completely differnt, and at the same time, exactly the same. As some of you have picked up on, I have used the word ..happy.., I know, its very strange. For me as well. I dont really know why, but I really think part of it is putting everyone at home into perspective. Like, I always knew I had wonderful friends, family, etc, but being here really shows me just how lucky I am to have everyone in my life that I do. Sorry to get all sentimental, but its true. I wish it didnt take 7000 miles to put that aspect of life under a magnifying glass.

So Ive been spending more time with Romain. We have a lot of fun and laugh a lot, whether were speaking french or english. Its great. A particular instance that got us laughing was when he was telling me about going to the states when he was little and being completely in awe and obsessed with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, as well as cheerios. Ah, what we take for granted. :) Everytime weve gone out to a café so far, he wont let me pay and when I say its not fair he just says its normal. I suppose its kind of sweet.

Every week I really look forward to choir rehearsal. I think its the absence of singing Ive had the past year and a half. Last week I sat between two woman who were very nice, I love that I can speak french there. I also talked to a guy that looked like Jeff Goldblum!! This made my night. :)

I got snail mail again! Thank you princess and Lisa C!

Class is going well, with the exception of last thursday and friday. It was as though I had never spoken french in my life. I just was forgetting simple words that Ive known forever, but oh well.

Madame and I talk a lot, about life, about politics, about family, friends, etc. I like this a lot, its great getting her perspective on a lot of things. She told me the other day that her ..friend.. is coming over this week sometime. Haha. She told me it was her little secret, but its okay if I know. She is so funny.

Friday I tried one of the student cafeterias for the first time. It was fantastic, I got salad, mashed potatoes, fish, an apple, a drink, bread, and a pudding cup for 2.60!! This was fabulous, I think Ill have to go there more often.

Ive also been spending a lot of time with my friend Eloisa. Shes really great. She was born in Italy, lived there until she was 11 and then moved to the states. Shes fluent in Italian, Spanish, English, and is now studying french, it just amazes me.

Friday night after class I went and distributed those stupid papers for choir in the streets, for about 2.5 hours, it was ridiculous. The only good part was that one of the women I was with was really nice and knew the area well. She explained all the history of the buildings, as well as the area in general, and I understood her! She said I spoke very well...yay! We were in the 2nd arrondissement, by the Opéra, so it was neat to see that all lit up at night.

After that I went out with a big group of friends. We went to an Irish pub, and then to a different bar. It was fun, but nothing too spectacular.

Saturday night was the second annual Nuit Blanche. Literally translated it means white night, but its basically where the whole city pulls an all nighter. There are lights and spectacles everywhere, music, it was crazy. Eloisa and I went to the Hotel de Ville, Forum des Halles, and were both asleep in our beds by 430. It was raining, and absolutely freezing. We were pretty miserable. We waited for about an hour for a taxi, still didnt get one, so we decided to walk. That at least warmed us up a little bit. Oh well. I did call Jenni at 330 in the morning though. :)

Yesterday I got up a little bit later, clearly, being out until 4 and all. However, it was the first sunday of month so a lot of things were free to visit. I went to the Conciérgerie, where Marie Antoinette spent her last few months, but the cells were closed, so Ill have to go back. I also went to Sainte Chappelle, the stained glass was absolutely beautiful. The detail was amazing. Lastly I went and climbed up the towers of Notre Dame. The view, as is with most everything here, was amazing. I think I walked about 800 steps yesterday. Oh well, its good for me. I also went into Notre Dame, its still beautiful, and listened to an organ concert.

My time here seems to be flying. I cant believe I only have 2.5 months left. Jenni asked if it was good or bad. I said both. I miss everyone so much, and there are little things that make me miss each person individually. However, Paris is amazing, Im where I should be now.

Now its your turn, show me your world.

Love you all and miss you much!

Hello beautiful people!

I would like to first start out with a subject that probably doesnt interest many of you, but Im going to discuss anyways. Its about my sister. I received an email from her and felt the need to reflect. Anna and I have never been extremely close. However, I am so proud of her, more than she could ever know. She has tackled her first month of highschool and is kicking butt! From her email I realized her strength that I had never seen before. It really made me think a lot. She has an amazing spirit. Her strength is perhaps more than mine, especially when it comes to the issues of my father. I chose to tell him off, run away, and not really look back. She chooses to stay, see him, and deal with it, which I can imagine is not easy at times. I really admire her.

Okay, Paris. Paris is, Paris indeed. Its getting somewhat chilly here, and we dont have heat in the apartment yet, but hey, I can suffer for a little bit.

The other day I was walking through the Luxemburg Gardens and saw two girls listening to music, on the same pair of headphones. It reminded me of when Princess Chris and I would walk home after long hours of practicing, and of course playing ping pong, freshman year. We would walk back to the halls, listening to my music, we would each get an ear, and we would sing along, usually enjoying being girls from the gutter. :)

The other night I went out for Indian food! It was so great, we had many laughs and a really great time. The thing that got us the most was when we were talking about shaving and I mentioned that I havent yet, just the legs Jenni, dont worry. My friend Ries says... well you better get on that! For some reason we just couldnt stop laughing, just the way that he said it was so serious. Then he called me a hippie. This made me miss home, but at the same time, I felt at home. Does this make any sense?

I had my first choir rehearsal on wednesday. Overall, it went very well besides the fact that I was late due to my phonetics class. I caught on pretty quickly, were singing Mozart, and the two women in front of me actually complemented me, it was nice. However, being a soprano isnt going to exactly work out. Its too high, and hurts. Im changing to alto next week. Besides, I didnt like being part of the group that sounds awful half the time. (Sorry if there are any sopranos out there) Alto is more interesting as well. Alto. Dolce. Exactly.

After choir I was on the metro on the way home and I overheard a woman talking about singing, I struck up a conversation with her...in French! Earlier that day someone asked me for directions and I was able to help! Yay! Hip hip....Jenni? Shoot.

I bought silver shoes! Thats all, but theyre way fun.

I talked to Amy the other night and she sounded fantastic. Shes so content with the new beau and I love it! Its about time! I really love hearing the voices of those that I miss!

I should just mention that Karim called, after 2 weeks, crazy huh? Fortunately I wasnt there and when he asked when I would be Madame said that she had no idea. Shes great.

This weekend was really great, on Saturday I went to the Centre Georges Pompidou, the museum of modern art, and it was really amazing. I saw Matisse, Picasso, Léger, Dali, Braque, etc etc. The special exhibit was Jean Cocteau, that was also wonderful. The structure of that building in general is way weird, but the view from the top is great.

Saturday night I went to Les Monologues du Vagin!!!! The Vagina Monologues, in FRENCH! It was so great, definately not as good as our show, but still way cool. The split up some of the monologues that shouldnt have been, but oh well. Apparently the actrices were famous in France, one a famous singer. Who knew? Not me, but it was great nonetheless.

Sunday, ah Sunday. I went to Giverny, the house and gardens of Monet. I dont think Ive ever been engulfed by so much beauty, the flowers, the smell, the ambiance. It really was absolutely gorgeous. I took a whole roll of pictures, but probably could have taken countless amounts more. I went with 3 friends and we all were just mesmerized by the entire day. Wow.

This has been my favorite quote since Ive gotten here, its from my friend Ed, he is from Oxford, England. He said this in response to me telling him that I went to Stonehenge 3 years ago.

...Why on earth would you want to go there? Its nothing but a bunch of rocks in a semi circle!...

I know it doesnt sound like much but if you imagine it being said with a THICK english accent it is absolutely hilarious!

This is for Cassie, she asked;

...Okay. So tell me silly little things about France. Tell me about the euro,

what denominations of currency they make and how it's nowhere near as cool as

the franc. Tell me about how the sun shines differently and how the people

smile more fully and how no one is quite as concerned with their own dramatic

silly lives as they are here...

The euro, the have coins of .01, .05, .10, .20, .50, 1.00, 2.00. The paper comes in 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, and 50.00. I think thats all. No, it is nowhere near as great as the franc. It really is a shame that they took that away, it was such a part of the culture in Europe, I miss it.

The sun shines differently because people see it differently. The moon shines differently because I see it differently.

People smile more fully because they are all in love. Everywhere I go I see people in love, its practically impossible to go anywhere without it. The mind frame is to be in love, thats what matters. This is what makes me happy. The thing that makes me laugh is when I wonder if they ask each other...so, you want to go to the park and make out?... :D

Everything here seems very carefree, things get done when they get done. Everyone has their own dhabitudes, or their usuals. Here are a few of mine. I wake up. I drink my tea out of a mug with two swans on it. The swans are wearing blue bows with white polka dots. When I leave I walk down the 6 flights of stairs, looking out the window at every level. I arrive at school. I listen intently. I go home. I walk up the 6 flights, and the doormats in front of the doors tell me where I am. The two cats playing with yarn alert me I am on the 2nd floor, still 4 more to go. The boring floor is 3, the doormats are plain. When I get to the whale I know I am close, this is the 5th floor, and 6, 6 is mine.

It doesnt go this way everyday of course, but its just a little insight. Theres usually more to the day, and sometimes less. However, everyday is wonderful, even when its not.

I love you all and hope youre doing well!

Not really a Pierre of great interest, but still a Pierre. He is about 60 years old and is my choir director, a cute old man nonetheless. So, I found this flier on a car that was looking for singers. Ive really been itching to sing, so I went, auditioned, and now am in the choir of the 13th arrondissement! The singing part of the audition went well, she said I had a beautiful voice and made me a second soprano, which is strange because Ive been an alto my whole life, but whatever. The solfeg part didnt go so well, but its been a while, Im singing, thats all that matters... Woohoo! I have a concert on Dec 17th, which is right before I leave which is perfect, and its only 40 Euros for the whole trimestre. The only bad thing is that I have to distribute those stupid fliers on cars for the next two friday nights. People just crumple them up and throw them on the ground usually so its against my better judgement, but I guess I have to.

Ive been doing really well overall. I absolutely love it here, and I actually truly enjoy going to my classes. Ive found that I retain information much better here, I suppose when youre speaking the language all the time it really helps. My professor, Mme Berthier is great, shes tough, but I like her. She actually reminds me a lot of one of my highschool teachers, Mme. Seyler.

Ive seen Kevin Barta a couple of times, we went and bought beer one night and sat by the Eiffel Tower, (Its strange being able to just drink on the street here) just talked and then met two drunk girls from New Zealand, they were a trip. They said they had bought this bottle of wine for 89 cents. I guess it did the trick. :) Kevin went to Amsterdam for the weekend, rented a car. He invited me to go along, but I wasnt really in the mood for all the hype of Amsterdam, plus Ive been there before, AND Ive been having some foot problems.

Its really becoming a problem, I love walking everywhere but my foot is really killing me. I dont want to go to a doctor just yet, but I did email someone from some website about it. Hopefully Ill hear from them soon. Ugh. Taking the metro is fine, but Id much rather be walking to my destinations.

I had my conférences classes this past wed, thurs, and fri; litterature, Versailles, and art, respectively. The one on Versailles is absolutely fantastic! The professor is great, etc. Unfortunately the other ones are really lacking, the profs look down and mumble so its difficult. Oh well, hopefully they will get better.

Man, the bathroom in this internet café always makes me laugh. It is absolutely disgustingly dirty, yet there is a sign in it that says, in french of course, thank you for keeping the bathroom clean. Thats just good stuff.

My phonetiques class is getting better, its actually a lot like a singers diction class I took freshman year, so its all good.

On thursday, I got my first piece of snail mail from the states! It was a picture from my cousin Sam, the most beautiful piece of artwork Ive ever seen in my life, Im thinking about bringing it to the Louvre to see if they will put it up there. :)

I met Madames grandson, his name is Romain and hes 24. Hes a really nice guy, and were kind of tutoring each other in our respective languages. He knows about as much english as I know french, so well speak completely in french one day and completely in English the next. I really like the French days, but on the english days I feel stupid. Its weird because when Im here I feel like I should only speak in french and I think when I speak english I just become stupid. Its weird, hard to explain. I think it comes from these americaine girls in my classes that only like to speak in english, and they sound stupid. Theyre these girly girls who like to shop. I hope this all makes sense, if you know me well, youll understand.

Madame is gone for the weekend and Ive got to admit its been kind of nice having the place to myself. Its not like I really have rules or anything, but still. She went up to Normandy to visit a friend.

So this weekend was called the Journée de la Patrimoines, I think thats what it was. Its when all these federal buildings that arent normally open, open their doors to the public. Today I went to the Assemblée Nationale, national assembly, and saw that. I wasnt really interested at all, especially when I stood in line for an hour, but once I got in there, no regrets. The building was actually very beautiful, top to bottom. I got to see where all the federal people meet and have their meetings, etc. My favorite room of all was the library, being surrounded by all these incredibly old books was pretty cool. I also particularly enjoyed the bathrooms there, you could have your toilet paper dry, OR you could put it underneath the toilet paper dispenser and it would shoot out a little squirt of water or something to have it moist, I was very impressed. This was the only weekend that they do this,open the government doors, once a year, so I guess I was pretty lucky to get to take part in it.

After that my foot was really bothering me, but since I was out and about already I decided to go to the Chateau de Vincennes. Its this middle age type castle on the outskirts of the city, I went in the dungeon and just walked around. It wasnt as exciting as I thought it would be, but it was worth the trip nonetheless.

I really think I need to be more interesting with my choice of diet. I need to learn how to cook vegetables. This is what I eat;

pasta

fish

rice

bread

cheese

apples

oranges

pineapple

bananas

I think the thing that really gets to me is that theyre all very close to the same color, variety is the spice of life, vegetables would be very good. Plus with all these carbs I think Im going to start gaining weight, especially with not being able to walk very well, its incredibly frustrating.

Well, I think thats it for me, I hope you are all doing wonderfully. Keep sending me your updates! I actually read the USRH minutes yesterday and it said that Aaron Braun was the Breese Hall rep! Probably only summer staff knows who this is, but I was very excited that my guy was representing!

Love you all

How annoying...so, I met Karim for lunch. He doesnt speak english at all. Things were going fine, I told him I wasnt looking for a boyfriend at all, just friends. Yeah, he didnt accept that at all. All I know is he kept saying how beautiful I was and how nice I was, blah blah blah. If I heard it one more time I think I might have thrown up a little. He kept trying to hold my hand, etc. Finally, I said goodbye, if he couldnt accept it that he shouldnt call me. And I turned around and walked away. So far he hasnt called and Madame said shed tell him I wasnt there if he did call. Shes great. She said that men here are very pushy, quick to want more. Me, I think I like it slower. Yeah.

So thats that.

Classes started on thursday, so far so good. I bought books, much cheaper than the states...I paid about 25 bucks total for 2 classes. My presentation went well. My professor is very nice, but going to be very tough I think. I have this class from 3-5 everyday. After that I go to phonetics class...ugh, Im really glad this is only for 4 weeks. Next wednesday I start my conférences...lecture style classes. Wednesdays I will have French literature, Thursdays I will have the history of Versailles, and Fridays I will have French Art. These I think will be very interesting so Im excited. These are from 12-1. The best part about my classes is that most of them are within a 10-15 minute walk, the ones from 3-5 are about a block away from the apartment!

Oh my gosh... completely unreal. So Im sitting in orientation on thursday waiting for our placements when who walks in but Kevin Barta (I think thats his last name) He lived on Carissas floor as a resident my first semester on staff, since then hes been studying in a different country every semester. I think he was a naughty and DJd at Mollys maybe, but it was so weird to turn around and see someone from OSHKOSH! We exchanged numbers and we might go to Germany together to see Kristins old roommate Janelle. Otherwise, just someone to hang out with.

So yesterday I did what any girl in Paris might do, I went shopping! I didnt find it as fun as I thought. The styles here are definately too extravagant for my hippie-self. However, I did buy a skirt, a shirt, and a pair of funky jeans, so Im trying.

Yesterday I also went and watched the annual Techno parade of Paris. I thought of Cassie. There were a lot of punks. The theme was Laissez nous dansons!...Let us dance! It was pretty cool to see. There was a guy standing next to me who kept pointing out funny hats or outfits to me and asking what we need war for when we have fun and happiness like this? Good question.

So I was doing some laundry, by hand, and Madame noticed. She said from now on she would give me a bag to put in my room and every friday she would do my laundry for me, with her machine. I think I got a really sweet deal living with her. Maybe I wont be completely the self-sufficent little french girl that Jenni was talking about. :)

Madame and I were talking the other night about divorces and how sad it is, etc. I was telling her about my family and I asked about hers. She said her husband left her for another woman when she was 40. And she had 4 children! I said it was sad and she disagreed. She said he was mean and was glad when he left. I hope I never have to go through anything like this.

I got to see the moon the past two nights, it makes me happy, its beautiful.

I think thats it for me for now. Lots of love!!!

He bought me coffee

and called me beautiful.

I thought he was blind,

but agreed to have lunch with him tomorrow,

nonetheless.

Hes from Sénégal, Africa.

25.

Im a little weirded out, but

Ill let you know how that all goes.

First day of school was good,

already have a presentation tomorrow.

Jenni said I was becoming a self sufficient little french girl. I am cooking for myself, which says a lot about my non domesticated self. Its good for me.

Madame is great. I kind of think shes lonely and this is why she has students every semester. She invites me to watch TV with her and talk to her. I showed her my pics of everyone from home and I think she liked that a lot. She also has kidney problems that bother her a lot, so I think she likes that theres someone around.

I thought she was this innocent little lady. A couple of nights ago I was proven wrong I think. So, I go to the bathroom before bed and she had this friend over for dinner, hes still there and I can hear them talking in her bedroom. When I get to the WC hes in there so I wait. When he comes out I realize he is probably about 45 and he is wearing only underwear. He says good evening, excuse me, and then darts back into her bedroom. She says goodnight to me and is wearing only a robe, when before he came over she was fully dressed and had makeup on. very interesting. It made me laugh for the next 3 days, it still makes me laugh actually.

I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower... quite possibly my new favorite book, thank you Darryl. Im sure I will read it again while I am here... Charlie read books twice. I should too, right?

Blair told me to just watch people. I had been, but not to the same extent that I am now. I now look closer, try and imagine where they are from, what they do with their lives, etc. Being here has made me realize that sometimes looking around is the best thing anyone can do, it seems simple, but can make a big difference in perspective. Take today for example, I went to the Louvre. Of course I went to see the Mona Lisa (which Im still not very impressed with) the Venus de Milo, etc. But the places I found the real masterpieces were in the little galeries that most people skip over. I also think that it is important to look up as well as down. The ceiling and floor in the Louvre are both very beautiful. Sometimes its amazing what is right in front of us that we just dont see, many times not until it is too late. Maybe Im talking crazy, but its what I was thinking about while walking around.

After the louvre I walked through les Jardins des Tuileries, and over to the Eiffel Tour. I go to these places by myself, but for me its better? I get to go at my own pace, take it all in how I want to. At the same time I think it would be great to share it with someone. For now my music is keeping me quite content.

Im beginning to dream in French. The other night I dreamt that I was in a phonebooth and someone came up, told me they loved me and kissed me...it was the best kiss I never had. :)

Im also beginning to think in french, its actually pretty cool.

Yesterday I went to St. Denis BY accident, its a city just northeast of Paris. I thought since I was there already why not explore? So I went to the Basilica of St. Denis. Then I went to Sacré Coeur, climbed the 234 steps to the top of the dome, I could see the whole city, it really was breathtaking.

Classes start tomorrow and Im really looking forward to having a routine. I hope you are all doing wonderfully.

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young (wo)man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast

Ernest Hemingway

I guess Im pretty lucky.

I have only seen the moon one night so far, but that night it was très belle, much better than the one in the states. ;)

So I know Cassie said she would personally come over here and hurt me if I wrote in here more than 1 time a week, but too bad. :) Thank you everyone for your wonderful emails and words of encouragement, it really helps knowing I have such wonderful people in my life. Please dont stop the emails, I love knowing whats going on in your lives. I think of all of you a lot.

So, I moved in with the old lady...old lady river is what my friend Sam calls her. :) Dont really know why. The apartment is very beautiful. I have a double bed, a big window, a bureau type thing, its fantastic. I also have access to the kitchen, she cleared out part of the fridge and a cabinet for me, bathroom, etc. When I take a shower its not really a shower. Its me sitting in a bathtub with a little spray thing, kind of odd, but whatever, I can deal. Besides that, the whole complex is pretty much amazing. It really is great, and its a great neighborhood as well. Im super close to pretty much everything AND I get to walk through the Luxemburg Gardens every morning when I start school. (I start next thursday) Placement tests went ok, I dont have the results, but hopefully its all good.

So, Ive been walking A LOT. I think Ive already lost about 5 pounds. I was walking through the gardens the other day and I was watching people play tennis... two very young boys...one teaching the other. The one was pretty good, definately couldve beaten Tim. (kidding) The 2 people next to them were playing when all of a sudden a group of about 6 high school age boys ran up and started being ball boys for their game. Theyd switch spots and run across. It was absolutely hilarious.

Last night I went over to the youth hostel that some of my friends are staying at. We ate and then they went to a party on a boat, I was way tired so I didnt go. I dont know what it is, but I dont really feel like going out, at all. Maybe once school starts Ill change my mind, but for now Im content walking around, discovering, and staying out of that scene. My friend Bethany and I decided that we would meet today for a 1 day excursion to Chartres, an amazing city with a beautiful Cathedral.

Today we met at 1030, were walking towards the train station, and she says shes not going anymore, too tired. Okay, fine. I went anyways, and Im so glad that I did. It really was breathtaking, I almost started crying. It was about an hour train ride just southwest of Paris. The city was quite quaint as well. Im in the process of writing postcards to people, remember that if you want one I need your address. Speaking of addresses heres mine, and it needs to be exactly like this;

KAMINSKI Katherine

Chez Mme. Marguerite Clément

77 Rue Notre Dame des Champs

75006 Paris

FRANCE

Please write me :)

My phone number is 01.43.54.98.20

She doesnt want me using the phone a lot, so let me know if and when youre going to call if you do, otherwise Ill call you.

Heres just a little something:

Things Ive learned about Mme. Clément

1)She thinks George W. is crazy... I like her

2)She owns about 10 toothbrushes

3)She talks on the phone a lot, although I would too if I were 70ish and took 6 flights of stairs up and down everyday

4) She reminds me of Helen Miller (Margaret, of Jenise and Margarets mother)... This is comforting

Things Ive learned about the French

1)Theyll do anything for fashion, particularily painful looking shoes

2) They are extremely affectionate with their significant others and just each other in general, I really like that

3)Their kids are adorable.. little people just speaking french without a care in the world.

4)Theres hardly ever a rush, it gets done when it gets done, a very leisurely pace.

5)Most that Ive met are nowhere near the stereotype of being snobby and hating americans, although they do think the Arnold Schwarzenegger thing is ridiculous.

6) They love underthings, as Amy would call them? It seems like everyother shop is a display of underwear...not that Im complaining, I bought a couple sassy things myself today ;)

Cest tout

I love you all

These keyboards are a little bit different; so its difficult. Anyways, I am here...in Paris. I of course have been experiencing lots of emotions..lonliness is a big one, but I expected it. At the airport in minneapolis I ran into a middle school friend of mine. She is studing in Paris as well, but not at my university. It was very bizarre. The flight was fine, I ate tofu. :)

When I arrived I caught a train into Paris. When I got out of the metro the first thing I saw was Notre Dame...so beautiful. I asked for directions from a couple who were from Iceland and they pointed me in the direction of the Sorbonne (my university). my registration section was closed, so I went back later. Then the line was long, so I decided it was time to sleep, and I slept and slept and slept. I stayed in a youth hostel, as I will do again this evening. I actually met some people witha different program from the states...I think Im having dinner with them tonight.

Last night was really hard. I became panicked that I wouldnt have a place to live, I was missing everyone uncontrollably, and was even wondering if I had made the right decision about coming here. I broke one of my rules and was unable to stay calm. Fortunately, I remembered other words of wisdom; I took a breath and it all came to me. Today was better.

This morning I got up, had breakfast at the hostel and set out for the Sorbonne, again. This time I got to register. I got my student card, etc. Im finding that the language is harder than I anticipated. I feel somewhat stupid sometimes. I just hope my placement tests tomorrow go better.

After getting all that dealt with I made my way to the housing office. They found something for me right away... I am living with an older woman. I move in tomorrow. Ill write more soon.

These are the rules, or advice anyway that various people have given me, that I will use as rules while I am gone.

Rule #1 Never be bored.

Rule #2 Drink soda on the plane.

Rule #3 Be safe

Rule #4 Take a breath and stay calm

Rule #5 Take in the culture and don't spend too much time on the computer

Rule #6 Have fun

I can't believe I'm leaving. I will be over an ocean in 24 hours...unreal. This is for everyone...

Daisies in my footsteps

That’d be cool huh?

All my bags are packed

I’m ready to go.

Leaving America

Tomorrow.

Destination: new adventures.

Paris by Wednesday morning.

Wow.

Make me a Rat King

Under priceline skies.

Simple enough right?

You know who he is?

He’s “Oh THAT guy…”

You know…the guy, the guy…

From Les Mis?

Yes, I know.

Give me five,

All the time.

Once you’ve said no,

Don’t say yes.

It’s not allowed.

That’s phat…p-h-A-t.

TWO KINGS!!!!

Ride the donkey!

I like the donkey.

I put the crust in your box.

No no no, not that one.

The OTHER one.

Stand in “Stooge” order please.

That’s the stupid one in the middle. :)

I’m so embarrassed.

I thought you were lesbians…together.

You have a “lesbian quality”

Oh my.

Chocolate...cake

You BROKE the futon?!

Yikes.

Wait a week.

It will all be better then.

I know tomorrow you’ll find better things.

“Wishing you the bluest sky…”

Cigarettes and whiskey and of course…

Wild, wild women.

Free pizza…sweet.

Staring at each other’s chest.

Good stuff.

Word.

Serious talks at Liquid Supply.

Don’t make assumptions please.

That’s my rule.

Princess Kayte, this is Princess Chris.

I am an ANGRY GUMBALL.

You’re the life of MY party!

How many tours today, friends?

Did you want some cheese with your whine?

What do you think we are? SMOKERS?

Wait a minute, is this a gay bar?

CHOCOLATE!

Get the hose, the Central Hussy’s on the prowl.

It’s just...magical.

Snap snap snap.

We can call you swirlie.

Remember when we made out?

That was weird.

Did you need another swimming pool?

I hear wal-mart has some.

I love you too, but...

It’s okay, I understand.

Jon was a jerk.

What were we thinking?

You can love someone you just met, seen, etc,

But can you be in love with them?

Hmmm… Gotcha.

Do you want to play?

Not really play, you can teach me.

Sure, anytime.

So is he a friend, or a “FRIEND?”

You know, your OTHER best friend.

Oh yeah, her.

Don’t be nervous.

High school will be great.

I won’t cook it,

But I’ll order it from ZANZIBAR!

I have ADHD.

No kidding.

I love you

I love you

I love you.

Time it was

I had a dream

And you’re the dream come true

If I had the world to give

I’d give it all to you

I’ll take you to the mountains

I will take you to the sea

I’ll show you how this life became

A miracle to me

I’ll fly away

But take my hand until that day

So when they ask how far love goes

When my job’s done

you’ll be the one who knows.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that I love you all very, very much and I'm going to miss you greatly. I know that none of you will understand all of this thing above, but it's my way of saying I'll think of you all a lot. Please stay in touch with me, let me know what's going on in all of your lives. Have a great semester/4 months! See you soon.

"Everyone is expendable." That's what my mom said. I agree, but it's so freaky to think that no matter what, everyone is forgotten...eventually. I've been in a cynical state today, just bear with me. I watched "About Schmidt" the other night and it got me thinking.

That's all.

I went to see Finding Nemo again today and I thought that was great advice. I actually took two neighbor kids to see it. Yes, me, Kayte Kaminski, took two children to a movie. :) I had fun. The best part is still when the squid inks himself. Yeah. Tonight I'm all alone, finishing grad school stuffs. I can't believe I spent 130 bucks for 3 applications. Oh well.

I'm almost packed. I'm going out to breakfast tomorrow with my friend Heather who I haven't seen in about a year, so I'm pretty excited, then it's off to see Grandma and say goodbye to her. I feel like all I've been doing is saying goodbye to people. It's sad, but I have a great experience to look forward to.

I was talking to my aunt Jenise the other day and we were talking about the Mars thing, and the moon, and how it's my favorite thing ever, etc. Jenise said it always was. Whenever we were driving anywhere all I would do was look at the moon at night, say it was following us, and that it had a face. I thought that was pretty cool. Wednesday I get to see the Paris moon ;) I bet it's much cooler than ours.

So friends, I just remembered all the people (family mostly) who will be reading this, and I realized I should keep it PG-13. Things are going well, been filling out grad school apps, realizing I have no money. I think it's ridiculous to have to pay $50 to send in an application. Oh well. I'm getting extremely excited for wednesday and I got the nicest email yesterday from some teddy bear :) that made my day a lot better, I was stressing and it couldn't have come at a better time, thanks. 3 more days.

Things are going better I think. It was a long day. My grandma is awake, alert, and doing much, much better. What happened was when they went to put in her pacemaker this morning the lead punctured her heart and she started bleeding. The doctors said she almost didn't make it. When she woke up she said that she had died and come back to life. I suppose she's the only one who really knew what was going on. It was rough today, I really wanted someone there with me, a friend, but it's hard with people being in Oshkosh and Amy left this morning. Tomorrow I'm going back to Rochester to pick up my mom, she stayed. I'm just glad she's doing better. Luckily, I come from a long line of strong women, she's a fighter.

My Grandma hasn't been doing too well, she went in today to get a pacemaker for her heart put in.

Complications.

Flew her to Mayo in Rochester.

On my way there soon.

Can't imagine what would happen if I were in Paris..

I'm really scared.