So here I am at the end of 3 weeks.

OK, so there are a couple of days left. It seriously did go by fast. How disappointing, yet completely expected. If I weren't guaranteed to come back in 6 months I'd leave here kicking and screaming! Instead I shall be mature and face this like an adult who understands that even good things must come to an end. I think I'm going to miss this view the most when I'll be stuck in Dey Hall for hours on end studying for my comps and preparing my thesis! I'm back in the foyer library with a view of most of Paris' famous landmarks. Note to self: make an effort to find a better place to work back on campus! I ate at one of the university canteens yesterday. It was surprisingly good and made me think seriously about a PhD here. Looks like I can fall hard and easy for a city. I've been here before but it never affected me like this. Maybe like any solid relationship timing is the key.

Before I begin to wax nostalgic about this place without even having left it, I should point out the serious issues I still have with this city. As convenient as the metro is it still smells of funky odors at times akin to urine. And speaking of urine try to find a reasonably, and I mean reasonably, not super or even very, just reasonably clean toilet with enough room for me to go into, turn around and close the door without practically walking into the bowl which of course is often covered with urine and while you're at it, find one that also has oh I don't know, maybe a hook for, oh, say a purse or coat. It's near impossible. Even on one of the chicest streets in the world, the Champs-Élysée not a chance in l'enfer! If you noticed I was also wondering about a place for my coat. That's right, it is coat weather in June here in Paris. Très triste. As one watches the sky at the grey clouds moving in, trying to guess when the next downpour will begin they may be in for yet a greater surprise; "look down fool! Fido has left a little steaming present on the pavement for you!" Leave the Manolos at home ladies ... Luckily this has not actually happened to me yet but there were a few close calls.

Somehow despite all these trespasses I forgive my new lover because she is charming, confident, inspiring, enigmatic, chic and alluring. Yes, Paris is a she and I'm referring to her as my lover. I had already started the first analogy without considering the sex of this city and I'm sorry but she's too awesome and pretty to be a boy! Let the comments begin! I can already see many arguments for Paris as male especially from a Geo-political perspective so please feel free to debate this point. Maybe she swings both ways! I guess when it comes to cities so do I ;)

Once I can upload photos I will! You know, to help with the debate!
À la prochaine!