First Day of School

Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite time of year is the First Day of School. I live for it. The new school supplies: pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. The new professors, and so much new knowledge for our brains to try and retain. I love everything about school! So needless to say I was excited for my classes today.
My first class of the day was International Marketing. Mackenzie and I have this class together so we decided to leave the apartment at 8:20 this morning so we could enjoy our walk to campus. Unfortunately, even though we have walked this walk over a dozen times in the past week, we got lost on our way to school. We were practically running to campus, croissants in hand. When we finally got to school, we realized we were the first ones there despite thinking we were running super late. Turns out our class we thought started at 9:15 actually starts at 9:30. So we got some snacks and then got first pick of which seats we wanted to have. We chose middle...not too close, not too far.
Our professor is awesome and fun and jovial; however, the class is a bit dry and is 2 and a half hours long on a Monday morning (worst time for any class). The good news is that it only meets once a week, score!
Afterwards I had a 45 minute break which I spent in the computer lab doing homework....or on Facebook....the school has a little coffee vending machine and each cup is about 45 cents! Hello happiness!
At 12:45 Gabby and I had Haute Couture: History of Paris Fashion. Our professor is this awesome Parisian who has an amazing portfolio of work, I'm pretty sure he said something about working at Chanel, and was the historian fashion director for the movie Ever After. While this class seems interesting, sometimes he is hard to understand since he is so French. I feel like I'm going to be relying on the book for a lot of the information during class that I miss.
Class ended at 2 and Gabby, Mackenzie and I went to explore the streets around our school. We came across a small Mexican restaurant that we had researched online, and being the native SoCal girls that we are we were CRAVING!!!

We got tacos to go and went and sat in a small park to eat them. While they aren't anything close to anything from California, they were really good, and a small piece of home that I really needed today.

Afterwards we got some chocolate bars from the store and returned to campus where I had Beginning French I, aka my first french class ever. The teacher taught us some phrases and we went around and had to repeat them and in true Leah-learning-a-language fashion, I couldn't pronounce it and she made me re-do it like 30 times. How embarrassing! I was mortified and literally almost cried.
We finally ended our first day of school and the roommates and I walked home together, reminiscing about our glorious first day. On the way back we stopped in and bought a fresh baguette and then went to the store and got groceries for the week. The bread was literally the most amazing bread I've ever had in all my life.
I'm so happy with my life at the moment, living in Paris, with 3 amazing girls, and eating fresh food, walking everywhere. I'm having such a great time and can't believe that the first week is already over :(

This is my first day of school outfit. Parisians don't wear shorts without leggings or tights underneath. I know it's so weird in America but here it is completely normal. So I am trying to fit in and conform to become a true Parisian!

Roommates

I thought I would do a post just about my roommates. I have to be honest, I was freaking worried about living with people that I had never met, and also worried about just being overwhelmed in a city where I had never been with these new people. I have to say up front that these three girls: Megan, Mackenzie, and Gabby are honestly three of the most AMAZING people I have ever met. We are already close friends, and completely enjoy one anothers company. Just hanging out with other girls in the group, there is already some drama between roommates but with us, we are practically the same girl in 4 different bodies. So anyway, here is the low down on the roomies.

First from the left is Megan. Her and I have known one another since kindergarten, and her mom was even my third grade teacher. She lives right down the street from me and we grew up with one another. She goes to SDSU and lives in San Deigo (when she isn't living in Paris). She is a literature major and is loving the Parisian lifestyle. Her and I are actually living in the same room while here in the City of Lights.

Then there is me! HIIIII!!!!!!!

Third from the left is Mackenzie. She is from Hesperia and is a business major at Redlands University. She is so freaking awesome and I love her. We bond over our obsession of Jersey Shore, and she is just so cute and adorable all the time. We call her our personal Tom-Tom because she always knows where we are going, and how to get there is the quickest amount of time, even if she hasn't been there before. She is always energetic and has the greatest time.


Last but not least is Gabby! She is a fellow Mustand woohoo!!!! She goes to Cal Poly and is also an English major. She was raised in San Deigo, so basically all of us bond over the fact that we are from SoCal! She has been to Paris many times before and knows all the cool local places, and random facts. She is awesome and I'm so glad that I get to hang out with her even after we move away from Paris.




Both Gabby and Mackenzie speak French to make up for Megan and my lack of knowing the language, but all of us travel together, have the same life outlooks and just love to have a good time! I can't wait to spend the next 16 weeks together <3

Night life

Sorry! For the past two days we have been sleeping, recovering, eating, and having fun and it's been hard to find a time to sit down and accurately describe everything that has been happening.


At school our school coordinators had told us about a club across town that was free for "foreigners" between 11-12. We invited some other girls from our program to our apartment so we could all walk together. We got a little lost but eventually found ourselves there. When we first arrived there were only like 10 people in the club. My roommates and I were disappointed to say the least. We decided we wanted to go check out another club instead but didn't know where to go since we were in a new part of town. There were three guys standing together and we went up to ask if they knew where to go. It turns out that they were from Switzerland and have been backpacking through Europe for about 3 months. Needless to say, they didn't really know where else to go but were really cool guys to talk to.
There was Christoph, Christoph, and Daniel. I know, confusing! Haha. We talked to them for a while, until we realized that the club was actually really full and everyone was dancing and having a good time. We all went out to the dance floor and enjoyed the music, some from the states, and some from here.

We decided to leave the club at 2:30 am. The metro stops working at 12:45 so that wasn't an option, and we are too cheap/poor to take a cab, so we decided to walk. Unfortunately we realized it was super far, and we were slightly turned around so we ended up going to a bus stop to experiment with the night bus. We almost got onto the wrong bus but then these guys: Mario and Alvaro, led us in the right direction. So nice! Turns out they are from Venezuela and are studying music in Paris. They spoke little English, but knew French and Spanish, so we were speaking three languages all meshed together. It was quite the experience! We finally made it home at 4am and crashed and slept in.

Us self sufficient girls making our way around Paris, making new friends, and above all making new memories. 



On Friday we didn't have school or orientation so my roommates and I had made plans to have this wonderful picnic at Luxembourg gardens; however, when we woke up we noticed that it was cloudy and the weather predicted rain. So we decided that we would just go to Shakespeare and company, and get a crepe at what Gabby (my roommate) says is the best crepe place in Paris. We began to walk, because yes we do walk everywhere instead of taking the metro, and explored a new part of the city. We walked along the seine river and up to Notre Dame.

It was over cast and cold, a bit rainy, but so quiet. We could not believe the extreme serenity and calmness which was the city. So far we have seen the hustle and bustle side of the city, the tourist parts, but never any part that looks like this. It was just so beautiful and we just relished in the ambiance. We finally made it to the Love Lock bridge.

It is a bridge right behind Notre Dame and you and your love one go and buy a lock. You attach it to the fence and throw the key into the river. It symbolizes your love for one another and it can never be unattached. It's an awesome site to see.

After this we finally made it to Shakespeare and company, which was AWESOME. I seriously am going to spend so much time in there.

It's a fairly tiny store just stacked from floor to ceiling with books. Upstairs there are hundreds of old books where people can go and read for free. You aren't allowed to buy the books, but you can sit around others who enjoy just being in the environment. There is even a little office with a type writer where people sit and can write down their bursts of inspiration and then either take it with them or leave it for others to enjoy.  We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but next time I go I will sneak some shots on my cell phone to show you.


Once we left we walked down the streets to the crepe place and ordered some lunch. I got a ham and cheese crepe and it was delicious. Then we explored some back alleyways and just lost ourselves in the city. We came across a small snack shop, ordered coffee and cookies, and just sat and enjoyed one anothers company. We took the metro home and just hung out in the apartment for a bit.

Later that night we were chatting with the Swiss gentlemen who we had met at the club the night before. They wanted us to go to a club over by the Louvre but it's a 20 euro cover charge, and hey let's face it, we are poor American college students. We had already found this bar where locals go, it's a super hole-in-the-wall place and we wanted to check it out. Mainly because we want to integrate ourselves into the Parisian life-style and culture. We want to make Parisian friends, and live like they do. We want to become Parisian instead of being an American in Paris.

 

We hung out there for a bit and then it got SUPER crowded. Our Swiss friends came to visit us and we decided to leave to find another place. Unfortunately it had started raining so we were running through the Paris streets in the rain with friends-- quite enjoyable. Of course being the sweet Swiss gentlemen that they are they let us borrow their jackets to help us stay warm and dry. 

We came across what looked to be a pretty hip and popular place. We ran inside and hung out and talked with our new friends for a long time. 

Afterwards we went to a pub which was a bar and club inside. We hung out, met some Parisians, danced and just had a great time. Then we went outside and talked more. The Swiss walked us home and we bid adieu and went to sleep.

Today has been rainy and cold, and all of us are exhausted from our first week of exploration and adventures. We decided to get into our sweats and comfy clothes, get Chinese food, and curl up in our beds with books and laptops. Tomorrow we are hoping the weather is nicer so we can go out and do something fun, and then we start school on Monday.

I can't believe I've been in Paris for a week already (well, almost). I can't believe that in 16 more weeks I will be on a plane coming home. It seems like it's flying past at light speed and I'm already having the greatest time of my life.

Finally a Chance to Breathe!!!

First of all I need to say, if any of you called me I appreciate it but I obviously didn't answer, so if you could Facebook me or email me letting me know who you are (since the number is different) that way we can figure out a time for you to call back. I would really appreciate it.

Ok, now that that is out of the way. Bonjour!

Last night we made dinner with spices that Megan brought with her from Italy, and boy-oh-boy was it delicious!

Then we went and walked around the streets and ate ice cream that was shaped like a rose and was delicious!


Today was our final day of orientation, woohoo! So exciting. Last night I didn't sleep very well because there were loud gun-shot sounding noises outside our window! (Most likely not gunshots but very loud BANG BANG! like sounds) We all woke up and got ready and went to our usual breakfast place, where I got a croissant chocolat and cafe au lait. We decided to walk to school again, taking a different route referred to us by one of our on-site staff members. It took us about 40 minutes yet again, but we walked at a leisurely pace which was nice.

This is right down the street from our apartment, it's the round about where there is an Opera House.


Once we got to school we received orientation on the general rules of the school: how many absences we are allowed, where the classrooms are, textbooks, and on-site excursions. Yes, you read that correctly on-site excursions. Most of our classes have these excursions, many of them around 10-15 times throughout the semester. Basically what we will be doing is meeting at a given place at a certain time and will have class at that location. For example, I am in History of Paris Architecture. So one day we will go and have class at the Eiffel Tower, so instead of reading about it we will physically be there studying it. AMAZING RIGHT!? I'm so excited! Especially for the excursions in my Haute Couture class!
After orientation a group of us walked down the street and bought sandwiches. Salami and mozzarella toasted on a croissant, YUMMY! We then walked down another street and ate them in the park.

Isn't it gorgeous?! We were sitting on a bench underneath the tree's but then got up and stretched out on the grass :) This park is literally right down the street from my campus so I have a feeling that in between classes I will be doing a lot of homework here.
After basking in the sunlight and enjoying our delicious meal we walked back to our campus and heard Andy Steves speak. Many of you don't know who he is, but he is the son of Rick Steves who writes these books....

His son is now offering travel programs of his own. He came to talk to us about how to travel in Europe for cheap, and just the in's and out's of studying abroad. He was super nice and offered a lot of good information for all of us.

After the lecture we left and went back to the store that I told you about yesterday (where the power went out) and bought some stuff for the apartment. We then decided to ride the metro home because we were carrying our textbooks and shopping bags. When we were trying to find the metro station we ran into some really cool streets and buildings.

 

We finally found our way to the metro stop and on our way down to the train there were some guys practicing parkour.

 It was super cool to actually see it happening right there. I've never seen anyone actually run up a wall before haha.

Afterwords we took our metro ride with all our fellow Parisians.

Once we arrived at our stop we just walk right down the street to our apartment and up the spiral staircase and into our rooms. It's so nice. Tonight we are just chilling, and then later going out to a club that we heard was free to hang out and see what the average life is like for Parisians. Tomorrow we are all sleeping in (still trying to shake off the jet lag) and then going to grab breakfast and coffee by the Seine river, make our way over to Shakespeare and company, and then go lay in Luxembourg gardens and read. I can't wait!

 Au Revoir!

Orientation

Today we had orientation starting at 9:30 at our actual campus. We decided that we were going to try and walk to school (instead of taking the metro) so that we could see more of the city and also save money on metro tickets. We left the apartment at 8:30 and stopped and got croissants and coffee on the way. The walk took us about 40 minutes, but that included stopping to look at the map and trying to find our way around the city. We talked to one of our advisers and she lives in our district so she was helping us find a shorter route.
During orientation we learned about Paris safety and also the various activities offered in our program! We learned that our health insurance covers all fees 100% which is awesome, and that instead of going to an urgent care, or emergency room, they actually have "house call" doctors that show up with the black travel bags and come to your house day or night. Isn't that nifty? I secretly I have to call them sometime just so I can see what it's like!
We have different excursions throughout the four months that we are here and they are included with what we paid for this program. Next weekend we go on a "mystery tour" where we show up at the train station and find out where we are going on the platform! My roommates and I are all really excited to see where they will take us, and the instructors guarantee it to be a good time. So I guess next week you will find out where I am going as well :)  Then in October we are going to Strasbourg and Germany for a weekend, and we will also be hiking in the Fontainebleau forest. Finally in November we will be taking a trip to Versailles. What's great about the excursions is that we will be with the CEA staff and since they are all native to Paris they know a lot about all the history and fun facts. Also, all bus rides, train tickets, admission tickets, and food is free for us (since it's included in the program cost).
Also included in the cost of this program are fun classes and activities. We signed up for some kind of wine thing, and are planning on signing up for a cooking class. We figure anything that they are offering for free is worth doing and experiencing. 
In addition to these excursions we have a "Fall Break" from October 29th- November 6th. My roommates and I are trying to plan a trip to go explore other parts of Europe. Each of them has traveled in Europe but as you all know I've only been to Italy. We are thinking of taking a train to Belgium, to Amsterdam, then Germany, to Prague, then back through Switzerland and then return to France. It's still in the works but we are trying to make it work! Our Parisian instructors say it's possible to do and would be a lot of fun.

After orientation we all walked to a restaurant and the school bought us lunch. It was delicious! Bread, salad, vegetable quiche, and then coffee and a sugar crepe for dessert.

Angela Weimer, that Perrier picture is just for you :) They only serve it in cans here, but it's just as delicious.

After lunch we walked back to campus and had housing orientation. They talked about the apartments and all the suggestions of how to care for them and use the heaters, etc. Afterwards we decided to go to a shop called Hema. It was a super cute and relatively inexpensive store where you can buy homey accessories. Gabby and Megan needed sheets for their beds, and we needed to get some kitchen towels to dry our dishes with. I was the next person in line when all of a sudden the lights went out. I guess it's a fairly common occurrence in Europe for there to be blackouts. They told us to wait a little bit, so we did. We waited close to 20 minutes before we decided we had to go. We had a meeting for a housing check-in inspection at 5 and it was already 4:15. We hustled to the metro but that station had shut down due to the power outage. We ran back to the street and walked to the closest metro station a few blocks away. Once we got down we hopped on the metro, then transferred to our train and then got home right at 4:55.
We had our check-in where they basically inspect your house and write down if anything is missing or broken, and that way we don't get charged for it when we leave in December.

Tonight we are going to make pasta that Megan brought with her from Italy, and then we are thinking about going to get drinks at a bar because it is Gabby's 20th birthday ! Woohoo! Happy Birthday Gabby :) We will see what the evening brings because I'm still extremely jet lagged and just exhausted.

Contact

Many people have been asking for my cell number, and address for while I'm in France. They are as follows:

Address is

Leah Post
c/o CEA Paris
6 Rue de Braque
75003 Paris, France

You can send packages or letters!!! I would LOVE to receive letters while I'm abroad because I'm already getting a little home-sick. I've already hung up photo's and all the cards that people got me before I left, so thank you for those they are lovely.

Also, if you would like to call you may and it is free for me, the only thing is is that it will cost you money because you will be calling an international number. The easiest way to do it will be to go to skype.com and buy skype credit, then either call me from your laptop on my cell or if you have a smart phone you can download the skype app and call me that way. If you are confused (specifically Grandpa Ronnie, no offense) call dad and ask him.

My number is 0033672662772

I know, French numbers are ridiculously long....anyways, I look forward to letters from everyone!!!

Miss you.

Au Revoir

A day being a tourist

First of all I would like to say cheers to you all as I legally sip on my 2 euro wine!

This is one of my roomies Mackenzie! She is awesome and speaks French so she has to help me all the time.

Anyway, today was literally a day being a tourist, which I think is deserved especially since Paris is filled with tourists this time of year. This morning we woke up and got ready and walked to the building we were supposed to meet at for orientation. On the way there we stopped and bought chocolate croissants, coffee, and water.

This little bakery is going to be one of our signature "go-to" places because it's close and cheap. After eating we got to our school and had orientation from 9-12. We were given a lesson on the metro, buses, and just living in the city. They fed us sandwiches (Nana I had a ham and cheese sandwich!) soda, and get ready for this...especially you Angela Weimer...CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS! Oh yes, be jealous. They were delicious. After wards we wandered for a bit and then at 1:45 got on a bus and received a tour of Paris. We only got out of the bus at Luxembourg Palace and the Eiffel Tower but got to see ALL the sites from the bus. We were using this tour to just see where everything was, and then we will obviously be going back to see and photograph everything. I took pictures from the bus but they aren't that great....you can look at my facebook to see them, or go here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1438545958076.2053394.1065810087&l=3db063810b&type=1

The bus dropped us in the middle of Paris and so my roommates and I rode the metro to another street and went shopping at a department store for sheets and towels. We then decided to walk home which took almost 2 hours but that's because we were lolligagging and just taking our sweet time...taking in the city. I even spoke French a few times!!! We stopped and ate crepes for the first time- I got Cinnamon sugar and it was delicious!!! French 15 is coming my way, I can already tell. We finally made our way home and then walked two doors down to the grocery store (pics coming soon for mom) and bought some wine and stuff for dinner. Now we are all just cooking, finishing unpacking and enjoying one another's company.

Tomorrow we have academic orientation, since I guess we are here to go to school (BORING!). The roomies and I are going to make a "Paris bucket list" of everything we want to do in Paris so that when we find ourselves in the apartment bored and on Facebook we can go out and explore the city to its full
potential. We are also planning a trip for our Fall break hopefully going to travel through Belgium up to Amsterdam and then to Prague, Switzerland, etc. So if anyone wants to donate to that fund....jk.

I'm really enjoying being here and really miss everyone back home, but I already feel like I'm a part of this country, city, and community. I can't wait for the next four months!!!!

Bonjour, de Paris!

So today was the big day. The day that I've been waiting for since March. I finally hopped on a plane and flew to Paris...all...by...my...self. I was pretty freaking excited.

This is me waiting with all my luggage to get my bags checked and to get my ticket. Once I got thru security I waited at the terminal and ate a salad. It was crazy all the French people around me even at LAX. Little kids speaking the language that I knew know nothing about. I just kept thinking to myself that none of this could really be happening to me. I boarded the plane, and we each got our own TV.


I spent the next 6 hours watching movies: Limitless, Wall Street, and Arthur, plus a few episodes of House. The couple next to me were retired folk from China and I had to help them fill out their paperwork because they couldn't read or write English. They seemed nice but the guy kept playing with his screen which was kind of annoying. He just continuously pressed buttons not keeping to any particular show or movie.
We were served chicken pasta, salad, a roll, and a mini carton of hagen daz ice cream for dinner, and some kind of egg dish for breakfast (but I was asleep so I didn't get to eat). I only slept about 2 hours on that flight, and landed in London and 11ish. The Londoners were sooooo polite. I was amazed. They told me I had a "dashing smirk" and was a "lovely girl". They were disappointed I had chosen Paris to study instead of London, but loved that I was from California.
 I then took a 45 minute flight from London to Paris and was picked up by my study abroad program. They whisked us to the school and showed us around, providing a snack pack, and informational folder along with our keys and apartment instructions. Since we were the last group to arrive, there was a small mixer being held with wine and greetings. I met many cool students, who like me are studying in Paris. Many of us are connected one way or another, whether it be from the colleges we go to, or friends of friends. It's crazy to see how small the world really is.
After the mixer Megan and I rushed to our apartment and found that it is literally the most darling thing we could have ever asked for. We skyped with our loved ones and showed them pictures (more coming soon) and then we even went out to dinner with our other two roomies. It was fun-filled and delicious. I'm already loving Paris and have been trying to perfect my accent when I say "Merci". All in all I'm so happy to be here and cannot wait for the next four months to begin.

Class Schedule

So today I finally received the long awaited email confirming my class schedule for Paris! My classes are as follows...



- International Marketing: Monday 9:30-12:00
- Haute Couture in Paris: History of Style & Fashion: Monday &Wednesday 12:45-2:00
- Beginning French I: Monday & Wednesday 4:15-5:30
- Communication & Global Competence: Tuesday & Thursday 9:15-10:30
- History of Paris: An Architectural Perspective: Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30


I'm really excited that on Thursday's I finish classes at 12:30! That means I can travel, leaving Thursday afternoon through Sunday! I'm so excited! Unfortunately, out of the 5 classes, only 3 will count for Cal Poly credit (considering two of my classes count for D5 only, sad day!); however, I'm still on track to graduate even if I only take 12 units for the rest of my time at Cal Poly! Thank you IB and AP credits!

I also received my roommate list, and am going to be taking the train to school everyday! How exciting!

It's crazy to think that soon I will be starting school, in another country, with people I've never met before! I'm so freaking excited!

But for now, I'm trying to fit my life into one suitcase, and I still have to get all my toiletries and random knick-naks!

Countdown: 12 days!

How Many Suitcases?

So today marks two weeks left in the states!!! Crazy! Especially since I will be spending the last 5 days in Fallbrook and OC. I decided tonight that it would make my anxiety subside if I began piling all my clothes that I potentially want to take with me! I would ideally like to fit everything in 1 suitcase, 1 small suitcase that can be a "carry-on", a backpack and a purse. Now, anyone who knows my family knows that us Post women have a serious packing problem. We ALWAYS pack too much. What's difficult for me is that I will be living there for 4 solid months, transitioning from summer, to fall, and then into winter! How on Earth am I supposed to know what to pack! Hopefully starting early I'll be able to see everything I want to take and then slowly start taking out the clothes that I know I will not be wearing anytime soon.

 

 

My organizational-office supply loving- OCD- self!

I'm feeling better already! Tomorrow I will finish going through all the laundry, and accessories that need to be neatly packed away!

Countdown: 14 days!

It's Official!

Well it's official! My Visa came today! France has decided to allow me into their beautiful country! Now all that's left is figuring out what I need to pack and then actually getting on the plane to fly overseas!

Countdown: 16 days!

Visa- 3rd Times a Charm

So obtaining a Long-stay Visa for France doesn't sound like it would be difficult; however, it has caused me more stress than anything ever has before! It was crazy trying to get approval to be able to stay in their dang country.

First off I had to get an entire stack of paper work (and copies of each paper) and make an appointment with the French Consulate in LA. Fortunately for me the family was staying in Laguna, so the ride was only about an hour and a half to get into the city. Let me just say that the French consulate is nerve racking within itself! First you have to go into a small room and be judged by a security guard (while your parent has to stay outside). After he has decided you are allowed to come in, you have to shut off your cell phone and sit in a room with about 10 chairs and a television that is only in French. All the other people in the room are equally as scared as you and everyone is freaking out about having all the necessary papers! Fortunately I was prepared and had everything I needed. After about half-an-hour I strolled out of there feeling like a champ!
Once we drove back to the beach house I received a call from the consulate informing me that my passport expires in February...of 2012. This means that it will expire 2 months after I return home from school...France requires it to expire no sooner than 3 months. Granted, this information was posted on their website; however, when I called my study abroad program (and did research online about it) it seemed that this was just a suggestion and not in fact a big deal...well it was.

A few days later I returned to LA to pick up my passport where I then took it 5 miles down the road to the Federal building. I waited for 4 hours in order for them to tell me that I would have to return to LA the following day to pick up my new passport. After speaking with a supervisor, and shedding quite a few tears Dad and I decided that tomorrow would be the only option.

The next day Sarah and I drove down and waited for over an hour and I was finally given my passport! Yay! Good for 10 years!

 **Me finally getting my passport from the Federal building**

We hurried back down the road to the consulate just to find that they were closed for the day. NOT GOING TO FLY WITH ME! I had to talk to 3 different people before they finally let me in the closed offices to give them my newly renewed passport. Once I dropped it off I nearly fell the the ground in happiness.

As of right now my passport and Visa application is being screened by France, and hopefully I will get it within a week. Once I have that it is smooth sailing to Paris!!!!