The beginning of the end

A few weeks ago, I spent a final weekend in Freiburg with Brett. Although Brett had to attend a model E.U. with his study abroad program that weekend, we did lots of things together during the nights. On Sunday, we were even able to spend the whole day together. We both had lots of work to do to prepare for finals and finish up our classes, so I spent most the days studying, though.

My last trip to Freiburg was perfect. We ate Schnitzel twice. We went to our favorite brewery. We went to our favorite beer garden. We also went hiking through the black forest in a downpour. I visited the Danube, which happens to run through Freiburg. I ate lots of pretzels, too. Mostly, it was very relaxing and nice to be in my favorite German city again. I can't really describe the experience, but I think the pictures do it more justice. Freiburg is a wonderful city with lots of hidden corners to explore. I'm so glad I had a chance to visit it so many times.

As I left the train station on Monday morning, I felt I had given Freiburg a proper final goodbye. Rolling into Paris, I felt bittersweet, because I had already started my goodbyes to the places that have been so wonderful to me during my stay here. A few weeks later, now, and I'm sitting in my apartment for the last night. My bags are packed, my finals are finished, and I'm off tomorrow to meet Brett, and then Friday, my mom for a week more of Paris, and then I must leave for the final time.

My friends and I in Paris have been going out a lot lately, since we know that tomorrow everyone will be leaving. I spent last weekend watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle on the lawn in front of Trocadero with a few friends, and the next night I met them in our favorite hang out: St. Michel. Yesterday, we went out to a nice dinner in the Latin Quarter, and tonight we will meet up for one last time, before we say goodbye. Walking the little streets in the Latin Quarter today, I felt so comfortable with all that surrounded me. I've been to most of the restaurants and shops down Rue de la Huchette. I even have a favorite place to buy crepes.

But I'm also ready to leave Paris for new adventures. This summer, I will be in Tuscany, Italy. So look forward to a new blog about my Italia experiences. For now, au revoir, although I will probably update again before I leave Paris for the last time next week.

Leah