Chasing the Sun

Laurel's last weeks in Paris are speeding along, the grace with which they pass may be equivelant to your classic bull in a china shop metaphor- but the bull's running at full speed anyway. Since returning to Paris I had a flurry of classes, then finals culminating with the one for Cinema on Saturday in which I discussed how film is a reflection of society, I think I pulled out some fairly convincing examples. I don't honestly know what else happened last week- there was a goodbye lunch which involved "Galette" which is essentiall King's cake- always includes small manger figure cooked into it so that the choking victim can be crowned and choose their significant other. I had dinner with my host family and the new girl who will be filling my place for the spring. Discussed "ilary clinton" and "ooboma" which is the closest I can come to replicating my host parent's pronunciation of these names.

So with all but one class finished I am now plodding away at an art history paper about Gustave Courbet. I only have one class this week, so the real challange is structuring my time. Today this was accomplished though. I set out of the house before noon, theoretically on my way to the library, but was struck by the balmy temperatures and warm sunshine which i could not turn my back on to head into the dark and clamy metro- so instead I followed the sun- choosing my way simply by which roads would allow me to remain in the light, and found myself at a very green lawn starring at some statues dedicated to some sort of labor boss. I thought the statue was odd, but looked comfortable and had the upside of providing dry seating directly underneath a midday sun. So I sat there, sort of going through my art history notes, but more just enjoying the fact that i could actually roll up my pant legs and hold my face up against the blinding glare. It was probably warmer than the time aiko and I and abby attempted to sunbath during spring break last year. Not to say 'warm', but after reading certain people's blogs depicting the temperatures in eastern russia, I had to considere it pretty amazing.

Eventually the sun was stolen by a cloud and the wind which had been tugging at my papers lost it's playful nature int he gloom of a overcast sky, so I redirected myself towards the center of Paris and trodded off to accomplish actual work.