Paris, je t'aime, rain or shine.

Day 2: "Don't go home with a French man if he asks you, 'Would you like to see my stamp collection?'"*Orientation at the classroom location, having my first pain chocolat (buttery croissant with fresh chocolate chips baked in - see Google picture above), then getting drenched in the classic summer rain storms of Paris to buy and eat my first Croque-Monsieur (delicious ham and cheese on amazing French bread, grilled to perfection), all followed by a very windy and chilly boat ride on the Seine. Then, a short stop at a small cafe for hot chocolate (the best I've ever had in my entire life - the French serve hot chocolate with a steaming cup of whole milk in one pitcher and a smaller side pitcher of thick, sweet, melted chocolate, which you mix together with pure sugar for a perfect cup of comfort) and a whirlwind of recommendations of things to do while in France, from a very enthusiastic and helpful Parisian local who sat at a nearby table. A few more blocks of walking and a couple metro rides to get back, and then a two-hour long series of asking directions and transfering on the metro (in heels and formal attire) before finally arriving to have a 3-course dinner at Le Grand Colbert, the famous restaurant featured in Something's Gotta Give. Basically, just soaking it all in, literally and figuratively.

*Modified quote from the professional who led our Paris orientation