Prepared a quiche lorraine with the help of my host mom for dinner!

Signing the Middlebury language pledge: meaning that we will
only speak French during our "sejour" (long stay) in Paris to ensure
that it improves and fully immerse ourselves in the culture. 

Celebrating the "Galette de Rois": a French tradition in honor of the
Epiphany, the time during which the three kings presented their gifts
to Jesus. For this fête (or holiday), a small animal made of porcelain
or plastic is put inside an almond cake. The person who finds the
fève (the little animal) in his/her slice is named king or queen of the day and often
 is given a crown to wear (see Aaron above)!    

Strolling around the Tuilleries 

Visiting the Louvre

Couldn't resist going to a Starbuck's at the Louvre,
and ordering a chai tea latté (cela me manque à Paris).
As a foreigner, I know that I have a strong accent when I speak French,
but I had thought that I had pronounced my name well
enough for the barista to understand. Apparently, I did not,
and a chai latté for "Nathalio" was made instead. 

Being led through the Louvre by a French art historian. She was able to
show us the parts of the Louvre that most people often (mistakenly) miss
and provided us with wonderful explanations of all the things
that we saw there. 

17th-18th century French masterpieces

Mona! 

Notre Dame and the Seine

A quaint little street in the 5e arrondissement 

The Mayor's office of the 5e arrondissement: nice, huh?

Hausseman architecture and the Tour Eiffel in the background:
such a pretty view. 

Parisian pastries 

Having a café with our "marreine" or godmother, Jeanne (farthest to the left)
As part of our orientation, Middlebury assigns a few American students to an older French student
who studies at the same university as the students. Not only can she answer our questions
about academic life at Paris 3, but she also show us places in Paris that
only Parisians know about, such as good restaurants, little museums, quiet and quaint
streets, cute boutiques and good places for nightlife. She couldn't have been nicer and welcoming, and
I can't wait for our next render-vous with her next Saturday afternoon!

The Parisian essential: a quiche lorraine, an expresso, and some macaroons.
Ancedote: I had to wait quite a bit to be served at this boulangerie
because the lady in front of me not only ordered a lot of food, but
was very indecisive about her order. 10 minutes later, the young (cute) man
behind the counter was finally able to help me. We chatted for a little bit, changing
between French and English, and because I had to wait a bit longer than normal (and maybe, maybe for
being charming), he gave me two macaroons free of charge!

My host sister graciously invited me to her 24th birthday party this
past Saturday night. She prepared all the dishes you see here, and the food
couldn't have been more delicious.
The party itself was a ball. I had such a great time meeting all of her friends,
and talking about a variety of things, not to mention all the dancing we did together
to both French and American songs! I arrived at the party around 10:00, and left
around 4:00, but many more people stayed much later as we were all
having such a great time!

Tequila shots around 3:00

The Birthday girl with her brother!

Doing the Macarena at 4:00 in the morning.