"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -Miriam Beard

I am sitting, of all places, in a diner around the corner from our hotel called "Breakfast in America." My mother and I met this American man who is a partner in the diner while we were in the laundromat yesterday. (Word to the wise: if you put any sort of colored garment in a French washing machine, be prepared for it to come out completely faded as if you've washed it daily for ten years.) The beauty of this diner is that not only do they fill up your coffee cup (FOR FREE!) after you drink your coffee, but they have free internet! What a blessing.
My mother and I have been all over the place - yesterday was the Louvre (four hours and we only saw 1/3 of it). We also thought they had Mass in English in Notre Dame at 2:30 in the afternoon yesterday, so we went and sat in the church for half an hour, wondering why they weren't blocking off the middle for Mass and why there were so many tourists still milling around. I finally got up to go look in front, and realized that they give a TOUR in English at 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturdays - not Mass. Whoops!
I could sit here and wax poetic about all the sights we've seen, how amazing they are, etc., etc., but in my opinion, words won't do them justice - they are something you have to see for yourself. (Hint, hint - get off your butt and come visit me!)
I will, however, share some more observations my mother and I have made about the French:
1. They love American music and movie stars. I have yet to go into an establishment not playing American Top 40 or the greatest American hits of 1984. French MTV only plays American videos. I'm beginning to think there is no such thing as the French music industry, because as far as I can tell, no one listens to it. Also, Tom Cruise is on the cover of every magazine.
2. The mullet, worn without irony, in all its forms, is a perfectly respectable hairstyle for both men and women. No joke, my mother and I saw a couple in the Louvre with, hold your breath, MATCHING mullets. I would have taken a picture for your viewing pleasure, but we were in a gallery that doesn't allow photography. I must have seen at least 15 mullets yesterday.
3. Cowboy boots are very popular, oddly enough. I'm really glad I brought mine!
4. Parisian girls, lauded for their stylishness, are just not that good looking. They are all thin as rails, of course, but most that I've seen just kind of look sloppy, and they don't wear make-up. Maybe I'm just staying in an un-stylish quartier, but in my opinion, my American friends dress way better!
5. Coca-cola is a luxury item. We've seen 8 Euro charged for it in some cafes. It's much cheaper to drink wine, but you have to order a carafe of the house wine to really save money - otherwise bottles can get really expensive.
Well I must go finish my bottomless coffee, but keep checking back - I will post pictures soon! Also, tomorrow is when my program officially starts. How I am going to wheel my immense amount of baggage around Paris, I can't fathom, but I will keep you posted.